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Dr. Sir:

I arrived here Winsday evening last with about five hundred rank and file badly equip'd. However, I have by every industry possible received near 300 good arms and Cartridge boxes, without bayonets which I have put in the hands of some good men, who will march to join you under the command of Lt. Col. Ashe early tomorrow morning. I assure you, Sir, the length of time this collection have been making affrights me, but the difficulties which have spun out this reinforcement in time have not arisen on my part but from the Colonels of the several Counties who have been very

tardy in making their drafts, and having them Cloathed. Many Countys have not yet delivered the Cloathing due the men by the Law required. I have thought it more prudent that I remain here a few days, untill another part get equipped. Major Murfree of Edenton District and Capt. Doherty from Wilmington, must be far advanced on their march to join us, with a number of the drafts of those districts. I shall, Sir, use every industry in equipping those at present here, and should those officers arrive in time, march the whole, on by detachments to join you with every exertion in my power. I have had not any accts. for the Marquis Lafiatte or of Lord Cornwallis, these twenty days past. Two expresses which I sent the Baron Steuben, ten or twelve days since have not yet returned.

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