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 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.”