Camp at the Yadkin ford,
Sept. 29th, 1780.
Sir:
Since Genl. Davidson wrote to you at my request from Phyfer's, the Enemy continue in Charlotte, about 2,000 strong; some enlarge their number to 3,000. On my retreat I endeavoured to bring off all the public stores there I could get any knowledge of, & effected it. I have detached Col. Davie of the Light Horse & Col. Taylor with 200 Horse to Phyfer's Mill & in the Vicinity, to remain & from thence to reconnoitre, & if possible to prevent the Enemy's plundering the inhabitants, & to gain what intelligence they could of their strength & desigus, & to communicate them immediately to me; I had an intention of detaching 250 infantry from the Division as a support to the Horse, but those Gentlemen advised to defer this party untill they had felt their intention of fighting by parties; this party of Horse, I am persuaded, will be joined by a large number from the Country, as they are very Desirous to drive the Enemy from thence.
My information from Charlotte assures me that the Enemy had 22 killed by our party, the day they took possession of Charlotte, & a larger number wounded. Several other small parties have been fired on, & a few killed on both sides. I every hour expect to hear from Colonels Davies & Taylor. There is near 200 of the Soldiers which compose this Brigade who claim Discharge of Colonel Jarvis's & Colonel Exum's Regiments. I wish, Sir, to have some orders on this matter, being not acquainted with the
Resolves of the Assembly respecting the Militia. I shall continue to give you every matter of intelligence which I may get of the Enemy's movements, &c., that may be in my power.
P. S. This moment by express from Colo. brevard, who was sent with a party of Horse to gain intelligence from the Westward, I am informed that Col. Ferguson is at Burke Court House, which seems to indicate an intention of forming a junction with Lord Cornwallis. Here inclosed is an examination of 4 British Prisoners taken at Charlotte.
[Endorsed] Camp on Yadkin, 29 Sepr., 1780.
General Sumner rec'd 2 October, answ'd immediately.