Head Quarters, Waxhaw, 21st September, 1780.
My Lord:
I had the honor to congratulate your Lordship on the signal, glorious and complete victory obtained on the 16th over the Rebel Army, commanded by Maj. Genl. Gates, by His Majesty's forces under the command of Lieut. Genl. Earl Cornwallis.
I have now only to observe to your Lordship that the just, prudent, vigorous and decided measures pursued by the noble Lord since his Victory are as likely as any I am able to conceive, and
bid fairer than any I have hitherto known employed, to quell and extinguish the Spirit of Rebellion, so far as they go; but from the infinite extent of the field of His Lordship's operations, and variety of objects to which he is necessarily obliged to give his constant attention, his difficulties are multiplied beyond imagination, and are, I think, in the utmost measure that it is given to human wisdom, patience and fortitude to support and provide for. His expedients, however, grow with the occasions, and I am warranted, as far as we discern without information for these two months past from New York, to promise your Lordship as favorable an issue of the Campaign under his guidance as can in reason and the nature of things be expected under such complicated embarrassment. From the exertions of a General commanding so small an Army his success and the extent of it must assuredly depend very much on the measures taken by Sir Henry Clinton in the Chesapeake, where I have always considered a diversion, at least, to be indispensably necessary, if possible.With regard to North Carolina, it appears that our Friends in that country have been intimidated beyond belief by the cruel apprehensions of their persecutors, which they have borne with astonishing patience and fidelity. They continue to give great assurances of aid and strength to Lord Cornwallis and myself when the army shall advance into their Country, and it will be now probably soon known what may be the fruit and efficacy of their good will to us, which certainly cannot be doubted.
Lord Cornwallis has been pleased, on my recommendations, to appoint Mr. John Cruden to execute the purposes of His Lordship's important Proclamation of the 16th inst., and I am hopeful his character, capacity and integrity, which qualify him for any Trust, will bespeak your Lordship's favour to continue him in office.
Govr. of North Carolina.
Rec. 11 Decr.