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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Benjamin Lincoln to Richard Caswell
Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810
April 09, 1780
Volume 14, Pages 800-801

GEN. B. LINCOLN TO GOVERNOR CASWELL.
[North Carolina State Papers, Vol. 72, p. 77.]

Charles Town, 9th April, 1780.

Dear Sir:

On the 29th ulto. the enemy crossed the Ashley, near the ferry, in force, and the next day took post in front of our line, about three thousand yards therefrom. Since they have thrown up several works, none nearer than six hundred yards, from that to eleven hundred.

Seven Ships of war passed Fort Moultrie yesterday afternoon, and anchored near where Fort Johnson stood, with no apparent damage, save that one of the Ships lost her fore topmast; one other ship, said to be a Transport, fell to leaward and catched the ground within reach of some guns on Sullivan's Island, which obliged the Crew to abandon and burn the ship.

I am informed that there is a quantity of Salted pork in Wilmington, which is wanted in this Garrison, but that there is an Embargo on provisions, and without your Excellency's permission it cannot be shipped. I have therefore to request your interposition in this matter.

Colo. Harrington is arrived with about 120 men. I expect at

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Cornhoy to-night about 200 more, where at present they will be left. I anxiously wish the speedy arrival of your son with the Troops under his command.

I have the honour to be, Dear Sir,
With the highest esteem,
Yr. Excellency's mo. obdt. Servant,
B. LINCOLN.
His Excellency, Govn. Caswell.