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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Richard Cogdell to Richard Caswell
Cogdell, Richard, 1724-1787
March 10, 1780
Volume 15, Pages 353-354

COL. R. COGDELL TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

New Bern, 10th March, 1780.

Dear Sir:

I have sent by Col. Luck some Dispatches which last week came into the Post office, by post. Some Gentlemen who have arrived here lately from Charlestown confirms reports we have had that

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about 1,500 English Soldiers are landed on James Island, Johns Island and Stono, three divisions I suppose; that Charlestown forces are 4,000 strong, and every day expecting an attack. The town is in high spirits. The famous Mr. Hamilton Ballard has been detected and brought back to Charlestown, after passing all the posts, except one, on his way to the British Army, assisted by two negroes, whom he had prevailed on by specious promises of Freedom and Reward to carry him through all the difficult posts in Alanoe(?). The negroes beginning to reflect, and taking their own affair under mature consideration, came to a Resolution to betray him at the last Sentry, and pretended to want very much to go on shore to a Spring of water, near the last post, and did so, and there betrayed him, and he was apprehended with all his plans of the works round Charlestown and notes of the weakest parts of their Fortifications, &c., &c., carried him to Charlestown jail. If these things are facts, I hope ere this he is hanged. I have paid Mr. Stanley near 18,000 Dollars, by your Excellency's request, in part of 20,000; shall be obliged to your Excellency to send the warrant by Col. Luck. I hope you and family are well. This morning Mr. James Green has publicly offered his services (under his hand) to the freeholders and freemen of New Bern to represent them in the General Assembly the next Session.

I am, dear Sir, your ob. Servt.,
R. COGDELL.