Newbern, May 30th, 1780.
Dear General:
I have rec'd your obliging favor dated Col. Hardy's. Should have been very happy to have seen you in this part of the State. I have also rec'd by the bearer your instructions of the 23rd instant, which I shall pay the greatest attention to. I waited on his Excellency the Governor, agreeable to your orders, and have obtained a warrant for 50,000 dollars, which money I have since drawn for the Recruiting service. On Sunday next I shall set out for Cross Creek, where I expect to meet General Caswell's Brigade of militia on their return from So. Carolina. If I should meet with success in recruiting, will write you by first opportunity. There have been various reports with respect to Charlestown, but nothing can be relied on; but as there has no accounts arrived in town from any person of authority to the Southward, it is generally believed that it is not taken. The Governor hourly expects an Express from the So.ward.
Your most Obed. Hum. Servant,
P. S. As Major Eaton and Capt. Maguire live in your neighborhood, I suppose they will receive orders from you. If they should meet with any success in recruiting, I will advance any sum they shall from time to time require.