Camp at Black Stokes
Tiger River
Nov: 22 Tuesday
7 oclock A.M. -- [1780]

My Lord

I have no Baggage consequently no Cypher -- I trust for this short Letter no Accident -- I yesterday cut Sumpters rear Guard to pieces on Ennoree -- I pursued his trail with great rapidity & had an action on this ground last Night with the Cavalry & 63d only--

Sumpter is defeated, his Corps dispersed & himself dangerously wounded. The ground was difficult. But Night came on & for want of more Infantry I coud not immediately pursue the Blow -- Three young men who were of Fergusons Corps have promis'd to fix Sumpter immediately. I have promis'd them for the Deed 50 G. each in case he falls into my Hands--

But my Lord I have lost Men -- 50 killed & wounded & Officers which are losses to the public Service. Poor Money is wounded but not dangerously -- Gibson and Cope kill'd Also numrous Legion wounded and every Officer there my own included killd or wounded

The Rebels were commanded by Sumter[.] Clarke[,] Lacy & Brannons Men were present, 1000 in all & [we] were attacked by 190 Cav.l & 90 Inf.y on most unapproachable ground. I have wrote to McArthur to pass & bring in baggage. I shall take every immediate step boldly to suppress Insurrection.

I have the Honor
to be
Your
obed.t serv.t
Ban: Tarleton

N.B. the Enemy attack'd the 63d & forced me to Action before the Cannon Legion & L^t Inf^r could be brought up. BT

Lieut. Col. Tarleton
to Lord Cornwallis
Nov. 22.d 1780

[Source: Public Records Office, Kew, PRO 30/11/4/173-174.]