Wynnesborough Oct 31^st 1780

Sir,

Lord Cornwallis has just received your Letter of the 22^d Instant by which his Lordship sees that you had not at that Time learned any thing of our having passed the Catawba River. You will long before this have received Instructions to detain the Vessels which were destined for Cape-Fear, and will also have been made acquainted with Lord Cornwallis's further Purposes.

The Dispersion of Colonel Tynes's Militia makes Lord Cornwallis apprehensive, for the Fate of any Stores which may at this Time be embarked upon the Santee. Lieut. Colonel Tarleton will cross the Wateree to morrow, and his appearance may repress the audacity of the Pedee Plunderers -- However, land Carriage, if it can be effected, is the only Means of Conveyance which can be thoroughly depended upon.

Lord Cornwallis cannot coincide in opinion with L^t Colonel Cruger respecting the [p2] Draft proposed from the Ninety-Six Militia. Should that Body receive Cloathing from us, every Regiment of Militia will expect and demand it. The Measure would likewise interfere with Cunningham's Regiment, which will be a much more serviceable Corps, than the other could possibly be rendered, and the Aid of the Militia will still remain to be called forth in Case of Exigency -- I have written to Lieut. Colonel Cruger on the Subject of Militia Regulations, which from the Stationing the 63^d Regim't in that District need not at present be so strict and so tiresome both to the Inhabitants as was heretofore the Case -- I inclose Duplicates of the last Letters to the Commander in Chief & M. Gen: Leslie, which you will have the Goodness to forward -- I have the Pleasure to inform you that Lord Cornwallis recovers Strength surprisingly--

I have the Honor to be
&c. &c.
RAWDON

Lt. Colo. Balfour
Commandant of
Charlestown.

[Source: Public Records Office, Kew, PRO 30/11/3/333-334.]