Thomas Jefferson Papers

To Thomas Jefferson from Abner Nash, 30 May 1780

From Abner Nash

Newbern May 30th. 1780

Dear Sir

Inclosed your Excellency will receive a Copy of the Articles of Capitulation agreed on between Genl. Lincoln and Genl. Clinton. Mr. Laurens in his Letter to me dated at Wilmington the 26. Inst. has the following paragraph “I am informed and I fear from too good authority that Govr. Martin at the head of a large body of Infantry and Cavalry is actually on his way for this Country, his rout to be thro Cherraws and Cross Creek. Another Body of the Enemys Infantry and Cavelry are penetrating South Carolina towards Cambden under Lord Cornwallace, a Junction may be formed and a formidable army soon appear in the heart of North Carolina.” We are preparing for them in the best manner we are able and hope shortly to see the Maryland and Delaware Troops so long expected in this State together with the aid voted lately by the Assembly of Virginia. With the highest respect I remain Dear Sir Your Obdt. & very Hble servt.,

A Nash

RC (Lloyd W. Smith, Madison, N.J., 1946). Endorsed in a clerk’s hand: “Nash to Gov. Jefferson May 30. 1780. informing of the approach of the enemy.” Enclosure (missing): copy of Articles of Capitulation of Charleston, 12 May 1780, entered into by Generals Lincoln and Clinton and Admiral Arbuthnot; printed in Va. Gaz. description begins Virginia Gazette (Williamsburg, 1751–1780, and Richmond, 1780–1781). Abbreviations for publishers of the several newspapers of this name, frequently published concurrently, include the following: c & D (Clarkson & Davis), D & H (Dixon & Hunter), D & N (Dixon & Nicolson), P & D (Purdie & Dixon). In all other cases the publisher’s name is not abbreviated description ends (D&N), 7 June 1780, and in Tarleton’s History of the Campaigns of 1780 and 1781, Lond., 1787, p. 61–4. The present letter was transmitted in TJ’s letter to Harrison of 5 June 1780, q.v., the day this first certain intelligence of the fall of Charleston was received in Richmond.

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