Longfield Coxe's, Saturday, 25th Augt., 1781.
Sir:
Genl. Caswell not being present I send this express to Acquaint your Excellency that on Sunday last about two o'Clock the Enemy took possession of the town of New Bern, and march'd out on Tuesday evening after destroying some Vessells, Salt and other merchandize. They passed this place on Thursday last. Accounts this
morning say they are now, to appearance, marching fast for Wilmington, having passed Trent river yesterday.A few Hours before the Enemy entered the town I had the lead taken from the pallace where it could be spared without hurting the Building. The enemy took none and there is a large Quantity on the upper parts of the House. Col. Long has wrote to Mr. Bryan in New Bern to take all the Lead from the pallace and send it to him, but as the enemy are not returning and the building will suffer exceedingly in case the upper part of the roof is removed he will wait your Orders by return of this Express.
Most Humb. Servant,
C. C. N.
We are in great want of Lead and no prospect of a Supply. Newbern so much exposed.