Documenting the American South Logo
Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Cornelius Harnett to Richard Caswell
Harnett, Cornelius, 1723-1781
September 27, 1777
Volume 11, Pages 636-637

CORN'L HARNETT TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

Lancaster, Sept. 27th, 1777.

Sir:—

I did myself the Honor of writing your Excellency a few days ago from Philadelphia, since which Congress have been obliged to Decamp. Genl Howe having by many different manouvers got between our Army and the City, and can when he pleases take possession of it. But it seems his intention to come to another Battle with our Army first.

Genl Washington will in a day or two be reinforced with 1500 Regulars, under Genl McDugal from Peekskill, and 2000 Virginians, and we hope will be able to be circumvent Howe's schemes, should he meet with a severe check now his situation will be rendered uneasy to him, if he is not entirely ruined. General Gates' Army to the Northward is very strong, and we have every reason hourly to expect good news from that Quarter. It is thought Genl Burgoine must fight or retire, either of which must put an end for some time to further hostilities in that Quarter we hope. Congress intends to proceed to business this day. I can send your Excellency

-------------------- page 637 --------------------
no Newspapers as yet. Messrs Burke and Penn are neither of them arrived, I expect them to-day,

I am with great regard,
your Excellency's most Obedt huml Servt,
CORN'L HARNETT.