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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Benjamin Lincoln to Richard Caswell
Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810
January 24, 1780
Volume 15, Page 326

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GENL. B. LINCOLN TO GOVERNOR CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

Charles Town, January 24th, 1780.

Dear Sir:

It no longer remains a doubt but that the enemy in Savannah will be soon, if they are not already, strongly reinforced; for a Brig was yesterday decoyed into this harbour, from New York to Savannah. She sailed the 26th or 27th Decm. last from the Hook, in company with 3-74, 3-64, 1-54,-1-40, a frigate with a number of transports, store ships and other vessels, to the amount of about 90, bound, as it was said, for Georgia, and that they parted with the fleet off Cape Hatteras, steering S. S. W., the beginning of this month. The 10th one ship was seen off this bar, with Hessians on board, bound for Savannah.

This information so fully ascertains what has been for some time conjectured, viz., that the enemy mean the subjugation of this State, that it would be the highest imprudence in us not to guard as much as possible against the worst. I therefore have to request that your Excellency would give the most pointed orders to your officers to collect and march the troops ordered to this state with all possible dispatch; for, although large reinforcements have been ordered from the main Army to reinforce this, yet they may not be expected in time. Give me leave also to reiterate my wish that, in case of an attack on this State, a number of men may be kept in arms in the frontiers of your state to prevent the embodying of the Tories. I am also to request that every assistance may be given to your Troops on their march from the Main Army which will facilitate their speedy arrival.

I am, Dear Sir, With the greatest esteem,
Your Excellency's most obedt. Servant,
B. LINCOLN.