Wilmington, Jan. 26th, 1782.
His Excellency Alexander Martin, Esq., Governor and Comd’r in Chief State of North Carolina.
Per Express.
Sir:—
Yesterday arrived a Flagg Sloop from Charlestown with several persons on Board that were formerly Citizens to this State. I enclose your Excellency a Copy of the Flag, given by Gen’l Leslie. Mr. Walker and Smith were Inhabitants of Wilmington and joined Major Craigg when he evacuated the Garrison. Peter Mallett’s Character I presume Your Excellency is fully acquainted with. They say their Intention is to become citizens and submit to the Laws of their Country which they have transgressed. Gilmore is a British Subject; says he came from England in the last Fleet, and wishes to become a Citizen of this State. It is my opinion that nothing Relative to the Flagg could be done before your Excellency’s pleasure could be known, tho’ urged by most people here that they had an immediate right to throw themselves into the Hands of the Magistrates, that no step taken with this Flagg may hereafter establish a bad Precedent, I intend treating them in that character till your orders come to hand respecting them. Guards are kept to prevent any Correspondence between them and the Inhabitants. Your Excellency will receive by the Express some Foreign Gazettes, which I hope is satisfactory. I have assembled at this post one hundred and thirty Continental Soldiers, which I intend marching to Camp as soon as equipped.
Your Excellency’s Most obedient Humble Serv’t,
Request. Letter from Majr. McRee, inclosing Copy of Flagg.