Documenting the American South Logo
Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from James Cole Mountflorence to Abner Nash
Mountflorence, James Cole, ca. 1745-1820
September 21, 1780
Volume 15, Pages 80-81

COL. MOUNTFLORENCE TO GOV. ABNER NASH.

Camp near Charlotte, Sept. 21st, 1780.

To His Excellency Abner Nash.
Sir:

Being Aid de Camp to Genl. Sumner, and having acted as such

-------------------- page 81 --------------------
since the 4th Inst., I apply to your Excellency for a Commission of Field Officer. You know, Sir, it is customary that the General Aids should be of a rank Superior to the Captains which they are every day in the care of Commanding; & as Genl. Sumner Commands for the moment the Southern Army, I believe you won't find my application improper, as I am also his only Aid. I expected the rank as Field Officer in the Month of May last, when I was to act as Aid to Genl. Caswell. Circumstances were not then favourable to me, but hope to be more happy now, & would deem it a particular favour from your Excellency, should you condescend to date me a Commission, if Granted, from the 4th Instant, agreeable to my appointment.

We are to join Genl. Davidson to day, Seven miles from this place, & tho' Aid to the Genl. have his permission of being sent on the Enemy's Line with one of the first parties; the Enemy's number are inconsiderable, & Doubt whether they will afford us any opportunity of engageing them, for fear of weakening themselves. Should they receive the least Check, they will not be able to to keep the Field, but will be obliged to retreat.

I have the honour to remain, with the
Utmost respect & Gratitude, Sir,
Your Excellency's most humble
And most obedt. Servt.,
COL. MOUNTFLORENCE.