Charlotte, July 18th, 1781.
Dr. Genl:
I acknowledge the receipt of yours by Col. Malmedy, attend to its contents & inclose you accordingly a return. You'l find a number more than compleated four Companies with us, how it happened I can't say, but am much plagued with them. I am sorry to hear of the Enemies returning to this State, it appears from circumstances they mean Evacuation of New York. I wish they may, altho' it may greatly injure the Southern States. I am confident it will contribute Emensly to the Security of Independence to the whole.
I have been unlucky with waggons and the bad management of the Staff at this place; it has detained me this day here but have had the arms all cleaned in the Interim. I shall move Early on the morrow and push by the route of Rocky Mount. Provision is scarce on every road, but plentiest on the upper.