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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Joseph Leech to Abner Nash
Leech, Joseph, 1720-1803
September 03, 1780
Volume 15, Page 67

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COL. JOSEPH LEECH TO GOVERNOR NASH.

Genl. Caswell's, Sept. 3d, 1780.

Dear Sir:

I was on my way with Mr. Joseph Speed for Hillsborough, but unfortunately hurt my Horse so much that it's impossible to proceed with him, and so improbable of geting another on the Road that I am obliged to return to Newbern, which gives me much uneasiness that I cannot attend your Excellency in the Service of my Country at this alarming Crisis, when the Enemy is at our door, and requires the assistance of every individual allmost in the State for its defence.

I have sent what money I had with me bringing up by Mr. Jos. Speed. £480,000 Is all I could bring out of £700,000 I re'cd for one of Mr. Hawkins' warr'ts. The other Col. Cogdell told me he had not money Left to pay any part of it, the remainder being small Bills, besides what I paid to the Cols. of Several Counties, for the pay of the Militia volunteers & drafts. I could not find room to bring it with me. I Ventured to pay Mr. Walter Gibson £60,000 for Genl. Lillington, & as Mr. Gibson & the others told me they could not march their men without the money, made me venture to pay it, as I sayed before, rather than the militia should not go, as the Col. sent their bonds to be accountable to the Assembly. If your Excellency should not come immediately down, and think it advisable to send another flag to Charles Town with necessaries for our Prisoners there, before your Excellency comes down please to advise me what to do, and I'll endeavor to comply with your directions, & if you should think it proper to send before you come yourself.

I Remain, with the greatest respect,
Your Excellency's most obedt. Servt.,
JOSEPH LEECH.