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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Richard Caswell to William Aylett
Caswell, Richard, 1729-1789
October 25, 1778
Volume 13, Page 253

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GOV. CASWELL TO COL. WM. AYLETT.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

NewBern, 25th Oct. 1778.

Sir:

I yesterday received a letter from Wm. Buchanan Esqr., Commissary General of purchases, informing me that salt provisions are much wanted in the Army, and advising a quantity of Barreled pork and Beef purchased in this State, for the use of the United States, at any expense or risk, to be sent forward, and if through the Inland Navigation to give you notice thereof, in consequence of which a vessel will in two days from this proceed to take in a load of about six hundred Barrels, at this place, and go directly to South Quay, where 'tis probable she will arrive in about twelve or fifteen days from this time. There are about 350 Barrels at a place called Washington, in the forks of Tar River, which I have also given directions to be sent on to the place with all expedition.

You will be pleased to appoint some person to receive those provisions at the South Quay, and lest such person should not be on the spot at the time the vessels which carry them arrive there, the Gentleman who is to direct this business is advised to order the persons who carry it, to apply to a Magistrate or some Gentleman known to be a friend to American Liberty to direct where they shall be stored 'till your orders arrive. Please to advise me, on your receipt of this letter, and also what quantity of provisions you receive in consequence of my directions.

I am Sir, your most Obedt. Servt.
R. CASWELL.