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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Griffith Rutherford to Richard Caswell
Rutherford, Griffith, ca. 1721 - 1805
October 25, 1778
Volume 13, Page 252

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GEN. GRIFFITH RUTHERFORD TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

Oct. 25th, 1778.

Dr. Sir:

I have received your Orders, and with all possible speed will endeavor to put them in force. The time is very short, but the matter requires diligence. There is a number of the new Levies that will be tardy to march to South Carolina, some of them having absented themselves when they were to go to the Northward, but your Excellency may depend I will endeavor to raise the number required in my District. I should be very glad if the pay Master would come up, so as to be time enough to pay them their Bounty and pay, for then they could have no excuse. I can procure money to pay their Bounty, but, the arrears of their pay I cannot.

Your Excellency desires that I would let you know concerning the Indians. As for them I have no certain account of. Washington county informs me they are in some fear of them. There is no damage done as yet that I know of. You acquaint me that you have some thought of going yourself to Charles Town, as Congress has recommended it to you. I would be extremely obliged to you to take the command—for as you have appointed me in those parts believe me Sir, no man living will be more acceptable to me than yourself. This I expect you will look on to be no flattery.

As for the lower Brigade, I know of no better way for them, than the way you have mentioned, that is to go by Camden, if they do not make into the Salisbury Road. There they must go by the Post Road, which will be attended with no great difficulty and Expense as the Ferrys are large.

You have mentioned to me nothing in regard of Commissary, but for that I must provide. But I suppose it will be prudent to appoint the former contractors.

From Sir, your humble servant,
GRIFFITH RUTHERFORD.