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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Thomas Craike to Richard Caswell
Craike, Thomas
May 22, 1779
Volume 14, Pages 92-93

MAJOR THOS. CRAIKE TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]


Wilmington, 22nd May, 1779.

Sir:

Since I wrote you yesterday, seven of the wagons that carried Gunpowder to Charles Town have returned. I have stopped them here till your Excellency may order what service they shall go on next. Some time ago 3½ wagon loads of powder, which came from the No. ward for South Carolina, was lodged in this Town. If you should think proper, it may be stopped in this State, as we shall certainly want it if we should be attacked. The wagons, I imagine, will be wanting to transport stores, &c.

The news of this day differs from that of yesterday. Two Deserters from the British Army, who have passes from Charles Town, say the attack we had the report of here, and which I wrote you, was only a skirmish, and that very few were lost on either side. They further say the Enemy have retreated to John

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& James Island, where they wait for reinforcement to their shipping. Your Excellency will please to receive this contradictory intelligence as the report of the day, for I have not heard any News that is authentic; therefore, cannot be depended on. A few days, I hope, will clear all our doubts in favor of America.

I have the honor to be
Your Excellency's ob. Servt.,
THOS. CRAIKE.
Gov. Caswell.

P. S. I hear that five vessels have arrived at New Bern, with valuable Cargoes. I believe I shall set off this afternoon for that place, as I am not able to go for Charles Town 'till I get your Excellency's Letters.