Documenting the American South Logo
Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Jethro Sumner to Horatio Gates
Sumner, Jethro, 1733?-1785
October 13, 1780
Volume 14, Pages 692-693

GEN. JETHRO SUMNER TO GEN. HORATIO GATES.

Camp Yadkin Ford, October the 13th, 1780.

Sir:

I inclose to you the Draft of the Enemy's lines at Charlotte, which I received from Genl. Davidson the 11th instant. The Evening of the same day Colo. Williams & Mr. Lenear arrived in Camp, informing me of the Torries getting very troublesome in Surry, being imbodied to the number of 3 or 400. I had some accounts at the same time that one Wright, their head-man, had sent in several of his men into Charlotte to get a way open for them to join the British Army. I have thought proper, therefore, to detach a party of 300 foot, with a few horses, under the command of Colo. Paisley, to endeavour to disperse them & Cut them off from Charlotte. This party is to be back within six days. On Tuesday last a Small party of Genl. Davidson's infantry fell in with two of the Enemy's Waggons, with an Escorte, on their way from Cambden, within two Miles of Charlotte, on the Steel-Creek Road; killed two men, took two, & brought off the Waggon Horses, 2 port-mantues, with Officers' Baggages, &c., &c. No News of the Enemy's movements since my last. I expect Colo. Morgan in to-day. The Small-pox has been discovered on two of the prisoners brought in from the Enemy's lines. I have sent them, under a Guard, to a house down the River, & have taken all the precautions necessary to prevent the Spreading of this Contagious disorder, & have requested the Justices of Salisbury to take such measures as their prudence may dictate to Secure this part of the Country from the infection.

-------------------- page 693 --------------------
One Mr. OChiltree, emploied in public business, remained in Charlotte when the Enemy entered that place & took protection. A few days ago he made his escape to Genl. Davidson, who sent him to me, recommending him as a friend to our cause, upon which I left him at liberty at large; but several of the principal inhabitants having intimated to me that he is a fallacious & dangerous man, having been at all times of Toryfied principles, I think proper to confine him to the limits of the Camp till Genl. Smallwood's arrival, and to get him narrowly watched. He presented me with the inclosed Sketch of the Enemy's lines and forces at Charlotte.

I am, Sir, with respect,
Yr. Obdt. Servt.,
JETHRO SUMNER.
The Honble. Majr. Genl. Gates.