Documenting the American South Logo
Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Horatio Gates to Jethro Sumner [Extract]
Gates, Horatio, 1728-1806
September 30, 1780
Volume 14, Pages 778-779

GENL. GATES TO GENL. JETHRO SUMNER.

September 30th, 1780.

“If you should have been advised to cross the Yadkin, you must on no account abandon the defense of that ford, nor withdraw your guard from the west side of that river until you are, by the near approach of a superior number of the enemy, forced

-------------------- page 779 --------------------
to do it. Gen. Butler has orders to join you immediately, and the Virginians near Guilford Court House are to march forthwith to your succor. Gen. Smallwood and Col. Morgan will march as soon as possible.”