Documenting the American South Logo
Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Alexander Martin to Jethro Sumner
Martin, Alexander, 1740-1807
August 21, 1782
Volume 16, Pages 642-643

GOV. ALEX MARTIN TO BRIG. GENERAL SUMNER.

Guilford, August 21st, 1782.

Dear Sir:

I am favored with yours by Express respecting the State Arms being delivered to the Continental Troops in Lieu of those at Richmond which you urge, will with Difficulty be procured for want of Waggons.

When I had the pleasure of being last with you, I was explicit

-------------------- page 643 --------------------
on this Subject, And you will pardon me when I inform you I cannot recede from General Washington’s and Congress’ Recommendation with regard to the Appropriation of those Arms, but in the last necessity.

Continental Waggons are daily collecting for the Troops, many of whom might be employed in the Business of Bringing Arms from Virginia. And perhaps it is unknown to you that a number of Arms in Boxes are now lying in Salisbury lately brought there for the use of the Southern Army, which may be a part of those intended for you; together with a Number of others heretofore left at that place, which might answer your immediate purposes.

I beg leave to recommend to you to order off the Troops in small Detachments of about 100 or 150 Men to Head-Quarters, as they will be served with more convenience to themselves and the Inhabitants with Provisions and Forage.

I have nothing new of Importance to Communicate to you since the acknowledgment of Mr. Adams our Minister plenipotentiary by the States of Holland.

I am Dr. Sir,
With much Esteem and respect,
Your most obedient humble servant,
ALEX. MARTIN.