Sir:
The Tories have taken Possession of Cross Creek & are ravaging the Inhabitants of Capefare on Both sides, for a Considerable Distance up it. We are Now informed that they are within Twenty Miles of us. The Number Uncertain.
I Received Orders from His Excellency, the Gov'nor, to Raise as many of the Militia as I Could Arm. No Mode Addopted. I thought It Advisable to Raise Mounted Infantry Two Months for a Tower to find their Own Horses & Guns, as I had no Other way to Collect Arms. We have upwards of Sixty Men Out on Them Terms & have Ordered a General Muster on Thursday when I Expect to Collect a few more Arms as the men is Reddy to use them.
Colo. Smith from Johnston is Indeavoring to Collect and Wishes
to act in Conjunction with us. We shall have a few of the Cumberland men with us Likewise. We Shall endeavour to keep the Enemy from Ravaging any further, Till we Receive Your Orders. I am, with Respect, Sir, your most Obt. Servt.,
P. S. Please inform me the News.