His Excellency Abner Nash, Esqr., New Bern.
Sir:
I imagine your Excellency will be surprised to hear from me at this place, but from the movements of the Enemy I found no other safe Retreat, and am happy to have the pleasure to inform you that we this afternoon arrived here with most of the Men of my Brigade. I sent Major Mitchell off to your Excellency a few days past. He, I suppose, gave a full account of our March to, or near, Haley's Ferry, on P. D. I parted with Colo. Buford on Friday Evening. He marched from Camden on Saturday Morning, and on Sunday the Enemy were in Possession of the Town. About
12 o'clock Sunday night 300 Light Infantry, mounted behind 400 Horse, (the whole that came into Town that day,) Went in pursuit of Colo. Buford, and on Monday, 2 o'clock, overtook him. Colo Buford had notice previous to their attacking & had his men in readiness for action. The Infantry attacked him in front & the Light Horse in the rear. The attack lasted 20 Minutes, when the whole of Colo. Buford's Troops was killed & taken, the Advanced Guard and the main Guard excepted, which was in front and made their Escape. The rest fell into the hands of the Enemy, with the Baggage & Two field Pieces. This Acct. I have from several of the advanced Guard, who have joined me. I have not heard from that Party since, but from a Deserter I am informed they intend for Charlotte, & then to this place. Two thousand was ordered off after my Brigade. Three Days past they were at Lynche's Creek, since which I have not heard of them. And there was a party at Black River & Black Mingo. I lay partly between these parties when I was a Haley's Ferry, and had no other place but this that I could get Provisions at. And by reports from Deserters I was informed that a party would soon be at Wilmington, & these three Bodies to form a Junction at this place. This plan of operation I imagine they will easily carry into effect, if some troops do not arrive to our assistance. Shall wait here (the Enemy Willing) untill I receive orders from your Excellency, or some superior Officer.The Men under my command are very much in want of their Bounty; shall be happy to have it if Possible.
I have this moment received an account of the same party that Fought Col. Buford having a Scrimage with Col. Porterfield at or near Charlotte. Colo. Porterfield retreated towards Salisbury, with little or no loss.