War Office Hillsborough Oct. 18th 1780
Sir:
Yours of the 16th to Mr. Penn was Yesterday received by the Board containing the interesting Intelligence of the Defeat of the Tories at the Shallow Ford. We congratulate you on this Occasion, as also Major Cloyd and the brave men under his Command who effected this important Stroke.
The ready attention you have paid to this part of the State, long distracted by these Miscreants, but at length happily subdued demand the Acknowledgments of this Country - and we receive it as an Earnest of those future Services Advantages, which we flatter ourselves will be derived to it from your Command.
As you have with you a Number of Militia from different parts of the State, whose Tour of Service will expire at different periods, you will please to furnish the Board as soon as possible with Returns of the same - The Number of Men at the different Posts, - from what Districts, - and their Time of Service, that we may be enabled agreeable to the Powers vested in us from the Legislature to make such further Requisition of Aids from the State as will be sufficient to support you.
Gen Gates having received a Supply of some Cloathing from the Northward this Day informed us he would march by next Monday to join you.
I have the Honour to be with the highest Respect
By order
Your most obedient
humble Servant
AM