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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Roger Griffith to John Butler
Griffith, Roger
March 02, 1782
Volume 16, Pages 212-213

TO BRIG. GEN. BUTLER FROM MAJ. ROGER GRIFFITH.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

Chatham Court House, 2nd March, 1782.

Sir:

The enclosed I received from Captain Rosser which I would have sent immediately by Express, but as Col. Alston & Mr. Williams go with a letter from Fanning, perhaps it will answer the same purpose.

It seems to be the opinion of the people in general that Fanning is gaining ground fast. A Captain Walker that was at Colonel Alston’s says he has got a Commission and fresh orders to swear all he can capture to join at a moment’s warning; in case of refusal, nothing but instant death.

The cruelties that are committed daily of murdering and Robbery and indeed they are not satisfied with the lives of men but fall to cutting and barbarously murdering women.

I am certain, Sir, that unless some measures are immediately taken, we will in short time be in as bad or worse situation than last spring, which was warning enough to induce us to put a stop to their progress.

The small party of horse I have embodied is by no means sufficient to stop them and the few good men that are always willing to render their County any service. It is out of our power as we are destitute of both Arms and ammunition. You may rely on it that unless a formidable body of troops is stationed in the upper part of this County for some time, they will be the strongest party.

If they have not a British post to drag down prisoners and put

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them in a prison, they seemed determined to take a shorter method of putting them out of the way.

The two gentlemen the Bearers hereof can give you as full an account or more so than I can write and I am in hopes you will consider our alarming situation and make no doubt but that something immediately will be done for the speedy suppression of these lawless villains.

I am, Sir,
Yr. Mo. ob. H’ble Servt.,
ROGER GRIFFITH,
Major.