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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from John Rutledge to Richard Caswell
Rutledge, John, 1739-1800
April 25, 1780
Volume 15, Page 368

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PRESIDENT J. RUTLEDGE TO GOVERNOR CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

Georgetown, April 25th, 1780.

Sir:

It appears to me a most essential object to restore as soon as possible and to preserve the Communication between Charlestown and this part of the Country by way of Haddrell's and Lamprieres Point. I have therefore ordered Genl. Williamson, who is here, as I am informed, about Orangeburg with 450 men, and Colonel Thompson, who is also there, to cross Santee River with the Troops under their command, (except 50 of Colonel Thompson to remain at Orangeburg,) and march with the utmost expedition on the North side of the River to Lenard's Ferry, and I recommend it to you to do the same with the Troops now in your Camp, and to order those by whom you expect to be joined to proceed after you as fast as possible. I have sent similar recommendations to Col. Hewes at Beaufort as to their Troops and to Col. White respecting the horse. My wish is that as soon as this force can all be assembled at Lenards they should cross the River, for the purpose above mentioned, which I hope and think they will effect. I shall order the Arms and Ammunition you want, and provisions for all the Troops above mentioned, sent to Lenard's Ferry. By the time they can arrive there, I mean that the Militia which are directed to Assemble at Wright's Bluff should rendezvous there till a sufficient number can be collected there to reinforce the Troops now ordered and recommended to march to Lenards Ferry.

I am, Sir, your mo. ob. Servt.,
J. RUTLEDGE.