Thomas Jefferson Papers

To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 5 October 1780

From Horatio Gates

Hillsborough 5. October 1780.

Sir

Since writing my last Letter to your Excellency I have received the inclosed from Genl. Sumner, whose Camp is at Macgoens Creek one Mile from the ford of the Yadkin. I send my Letter to the President of Congress under a flying Seal that you may peruse it. I beg that with all the Letters and papers, I now send your Excellency may be as soon as possible dispatched to Congress. I am Sir your obedient humble servant,

Horatio Gates

P.S. The inclosed Letter [from Lt. Co]lo. Washington, will acquaint you with all the Continental and Cavalry of your State we have to depend upon.

RC (DLC: PCC, No. 154, ii). Endorsed by Thomson: “Letter from Major genl Gates to Govr. Jefferson Octr. 5. 1780 Read Octr. 13.” Enclosures (same location): (1) Jethro Sumner to Gates, Camp at the Yadkin Ford, description begins Paul Leicester Ford, ed., The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, “Letterpress Edition,” N.Y., 1892–1899 description ends 29 Sep. 1780 which in turn enclosed a (missing) “examination of 4 British prisoners taken at Charlotte”; (2) W[illiam] Washington to Gates, place illegible, 4 Oct. 1780. Gates’ letter and enclosures were transmitted by TJ to Huntington, 8 Oct., q.v. Tr of letter is in DLC: Washington Papers.

Sumner’s letter reports that the enemy continue in Charlotte and are estimated as between 2,000 and 3,000 strong; Sumner has detached two companies of horse to reconnoiter and to prevent their plundering the inhabitants; there have been some small actions; Ferguson (i.e. Maj. Patrick Ferguson) is just reported at Burke Court House, “which seems to indicate an intention of forming a junction with Lord Cornwallis.”

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