Camp at Bryerley's Ferry
Nov^r 18^th 1780
6 P.M.

My Lord

I have the Honor to inform your Lordship that A Party of the Rebels having come within two Miles of the Ferry this morning I was just going to pass over w^th 150 men when Co^l Tarleton arrived at Nine o'clock & I countermanded my Party; the Rebells had the Audacity in half an hour after to come close to the River & fire at our Men who were washing in the Flatts. Luckily the most of them had retired before the firing began so there was only one Soldier of the 63^d wounded slightly & A waggon Horse hurt. they blackguarded us a great deal but no return was made them except one shot by A Militia man without orders; At two o'Clock the Infantry of Tarleton's Corps passed at this Ferry & only one shott was fired at them which hurt nobody, for care was taken to fire several Cannon shott across which dispersed the Enemy, & I have this moment received advice from Co^l. Tarleton that his mounted People have passed at the Mill & Ford three miles lower down without opposition [p2] & the 63^d were ready to follow. The Rebells appeared at the other side of the River opposite the Mill earlier than here & Cap^t Hill informs me they shewed themselves at Liles's ford about the same time they came opposite to us. Tarleton has left his Baggage here & taken the Cannon I had w^th me it being in better Condition than His own which He has left w^th me. He proposed going between four & Miles only this Eveng -- It gives me concern that the [Emissary?] who was to Cross [? ?] up the River returned this Eveng not daring to cross at Fishdam or Love's fords finding them both too well guarded, so that I have no hopes of being able to ascertain the desired Point. I have the Honor to be My Lord

Your Lordship's
Most Obed^t Hble Serv^t
Arch^d M^cArthur

[Source: Public Records Office, Kew, PRO 30/11/4/153-154.]