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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Richard Caswell to Rawlins Lowndes
Caswell, Richard, 1729-1789
October 30, 1778
Volume 13, Pages 257-258

GOV. CASWELL TO PRESDT LOWNDES OF S. C.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

North Carolina, 30th October 1778.

Sir:

I had the honor to receive the packet herewith addressed to your Excellency, under cover yesterday, and take the earliest opportunity in my power of transmitting the same to you by express.

I have had the pleasure of receiving two letters from you, which hitherto have remained unanswered; the first respecting

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Indians taken in the late Troubles with the Cherokees, and held in captivity by the subjects of this State. I have made all the Inquiry in my power without being able to learn where any of these people are detained in this State; indeed I have lately written to Capt. Robertson, Superintendent for this State, in the Cherokee Country to make inquiry there and give me information in whose custody the Indians suggest their people are, and to assure them that if such there are, they shall be delivered up.

In the other letter you do me the honor to inform me of the conduct of the Indians Bordering on the three Southern States in the Union, and your suspicions of their hostile intentions, at the same time recommending an union of force, as the only means of bringing these Barbarians to a proper sense of the strength and power of the States. In this matter sir, I have the honor to coincide with you in sentiments, and take the liberty of assuring you that every thing in my power shall be done towards carrying such a plan into execution.

Congress have required an aid of 300 men to be sent from hence to the states of South Carolina and Georgia; the men are collecting, and I flatter myself will be ready to march by the middle of November, but I fear their fire arms will not be such as I could wish them. Be pleased to inform me by the return of the express if your State can furnish us with any number of good Firelocks whilst our people shall be on the expedition, and if any what number. It is not improbable but I may march with those Troops in which case I promise myself the pleasure of visiting Charles Town.

I am now upwards of forty miles from NewBern, and have not your letters with me. If I have not answered them fully, you'l please to attribute it to that circumstance.

I have the honor to be with great respect and esteem, Sir,
Your Excellency's most ob. & very huml. Servt
R. CASWELL.