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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Richard Caswell to Thomas Burke
Caswell, Richard, 1729-1789
February 16, 1777
Volume 11, Pages 392-393

TO THOMAS BURKE ESQR. FROM R. CASWELL.
[From the Executive Letter Book.]

North Carolina, Dobbs Co, Feb. 16th '77.

Dear Sir,

I had your favor from Hanover Court House by a Capt Ferns and Mr. Stanly. The former was called upon by the Council who

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were then sitting at Newbern, but on examination he expressed great friendship for the American cause, owned himself a subject of this State and took the oath of Fidelity, whereupon he was dismissed.

I am obliged to you for the hint given me respecting this man the causing him to appear before the Council and pass an examination then made some others a little more cautious in their manner and expression.

We have received some accounts from Gen. Rutherford and from Watauga, signifying that the Indians had committed depredations on the inhabitants on Holston and by sundry affidavits respecting the conduct of Stewart, Cameron, and others the Council were induced to believe the Indians would actually annoy the Frontiers, and accordingly advised raising the Malitia. One hundred men are ordered to the assistance of Washington District, from this side of the Mountains, and 150 are ordered to range the back Settlements in Surry, Rowan, and Tryon. Mr. Rutherford also mentions his expectations of the Tories arising in that part of the Country, that sundry firelocks had been forcibly taken from the Friends to this State. Gen. Persons and Col. Dry, have declined attending as Counsellors. 'Tis with difficulty I am able to get a sufficient number of those Honorable Gents. together to make a Board. Col. Blount, who is going to the Continental Treasury for Money in Consequence of the ordinance of our Congress, will deliver you this. I have written to Mr. Hooper to make application to Congress, if necessary, in my behalf, your assistance I know will be given. Mr. Blount carries an authenticated copy of the ordinance, which will show the power I have to apply to Congress in the last resort.

I find business is likely to multiply on my hands, and if I am continued in the government of the State, I believe it will be advisable for me to reside at Newbern, where I shall have frequent opportunities of writing to you, which I shall not neglect. Any intelligence you shall think proper to give me, shall be thankfully received.

I am
Dear Sir,
with great regard and esteem
Your obedt. Humb. Servant
R. CASWELL.