Documenting the American South Logo
Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Adam de Peyster to Horatio Gates
De Peyster, Adam
November 03, 1780
Volume 14, Pages 724-725

CAPTAIN DE PEYSTER TO MAJOR GEN. GATES.

Bathabia, Novr. 3d, 1780.

Sir:

I must beg leave to mention our distressed situation to your Excellency, as I am persuaded that Col. Campbell has neglected it.

Since we have had the misfortune of being taken by the militia, they have deprived us of all our Baggage and other necessarys, except what we had on in the action. We are now left without a Change of Cloaths, nor a farthing of money to bear our expence, a Circumstance never before Known in the army—our soldiers without Blankets, shoes, or even body Cloaths, and of course very

-------------------- page 725 --------------------
unfit for a long march into a Cold Climate at this period of the season; and as to our Militia, their situation is truly melancholy and calls for immediate succour. I only wish your Excellency had an opportunity of seeing us all.

In justice to the officers and men, I must beg leave to request of your Excellency the Indulgence of Paroles for them to Charlestown, or otherwise to where ever the rest of the British Prisoners are to the northward; but should you think proper not to parole us to Charlestown, permission for myself & another officer to go there to draw money and other necessarys would be esteemed as a particular favour, & to return at any time limited by your Excelly.

The Letter wrote to Lord Cornwallis, & delivered to Col. Campbell, was only to inform his Lordship of our having fallen into your hands, & your Excellency knows that writing to his Lordship will not by any means immediately procure our wants, as there is so many things at present to attend to.

With every Degree of respect,
I have the honor to be, Your Excellency's
Most Obedt. & Most Humb. Servt.,
A. DE PEYSTER,
Captn. Ks. An. Regt.
Major General Gates.