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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Cornelius Harnett to Richard Caswell
Harnett, Cornelius, 1723-1781
October 20, 1777
Volume 11, Pages 657-658

C. HARNETT TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]


York, Pennsylvania, Oct., 20th 1777.

Dear Sir:—

I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency an account of the surrender of Gen. Burgoyne and his whole army on the 14th Instant, the particulars are not yet come to hand, but this account is so well authenticated, that Gen. Washington on receiving the intelligence ordered 13 Cannon to be fired, and the Bells in this Town rang for hours.

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The two armies near Philadelphia were on Friday last within 7 miles of each other, and General action is expected daily. Should we be successful in this Quarter, we may pronounce I think with certainty America Free and Independent. Your Excellency will be pleased to excuse my not being more particular at this time. Congress are in high spirits. Enclosed is a copy of the accounts received. I am with great respect and regard, your Excellency's most Obedt.

Huml. Servt.
CORNL. HARNETT.

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