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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Jethro Sumner to Richard Caswell
Sumner, Jethro, 1733?-1785
January 20, 1780
Volume 15, Page 320

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GEN. JETHRO SUMNER TO GOVERNOR CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

Halifax, January 20th, 1780.

Sir:

I have just recd. Orders from Genl. Lincoln to employ such of the Officers in the Continental Service, now in this State, in apprehending deserters; this was my instructions to the Colonels of the different Battalions, that such Officers might be diligent in taking deserters, on my arriving from the Southward, but have had very little accounts of their success. The very heavy expense they must be at, and no money lodged for defraying this duty, I am rather apprehensive has in some measure been the cause of the bad success of their endeavours thus far. I shall (soon after I see you next week) again write the Colonels commandant of each Battalion on this head, and I wish, if it was thought consistent, some monies for this service could be ordered in the hands of the Cols. of the Battalions. The officers may be immediately set more steady on this duty.

I am, Sir, your very huml. Servt.,
JETHRO SUMNER.