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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Hardy Murfree to Jethro Sumner
Murfree, Hardy
May 15, 1782
Volume 16, Pages 615-616

LT. COL. H. MURFREE TO BRIGADIER GENL. SUMNER.

Camp Bacon’s Bridge, 15th May, 1782.

Dear General:

I take this opportunity by Mr. Long to inform you, the Officers and Soldiers in General are hearty, but the men are almost naked. A great many returned not fit for duty for want of cloaths. We have had only about 20 Men Inlisted in the Legion and the South Carolina Service.

The enemy continue close in town and the Quarter house. They send out small parties to reconiter us but loose no time in getting back. General Greene went down a few days ago with the Cavalry Light Infantry and a Detachment of 150 from the line to view them at the quarter house. The picquets fired on the party, they took men that was without the guards, they dare not turn out. He returned the same day, after viewing their works.

Their was a plan laying some time ago by the Pennsylvania Soldiers that had formerly belonged to the British army to Seize on

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the Officers and carry them to Charlestown, or to Join the enemy should they Attack us. This plan was partly discovered and a Sergt. Shot which put an end to it. They all seem to be perfectly contented now. Four of the British Deserters in that line was Suspected and sent off to North Carolina.

Our mens times expire very fast. I have heard nothing of the party you mentioned in your letter of the 15 March, that was on their way from Edenton District. Lieutn. Campen came to Camp the 25th Apl. with 24 men. Lieutn. Colgrave came to Camp Two days ago with 20 men, which is all the reinforcement we have had since I came up. Lieutn. Wilkerson has had his trial, and was Sentenced to be cashered, but the Court recommended him to the General who restored him. Your Baggage is all Safe. I had it aired a few days ago. I have not had the pleasure of hearing from you since the 15th March last.

Please to let me hear from you every opportunity and Accept of my best wishes and believe me to be,

Dear General,
Your Mo. Huml. Servt.,
H. MURFREE.