Colonel John Ashe.

I have received accounts from Hillsborough of the Insurgents determination to begin their march to Newbern on the 11th instant, and have given directions to Mr Fanning to send off an Express directly to you, as soon as he finds they are actually on their march; I therefore am to command you to hold your Regiment in readiness to march to Newbern, in order to support the Constitution of the Country and Peace of Government, on the earliest notice you can get of the Insurgents being on their march down.

You will take care that provisions and Ammunition are provided for your Detachment and to defray the expence thereof I will give you a Draft on the Treasury.

Your active and vigorous spirit on this occasion will give much satisfaction to Sir,