Davis's Mill May 4 [1781]
7 p.m.

My Lord

I left Gray's Plantation at four this Morn^g. The Inhabitants in general at Home except the rich & leading Men who are fled -- Burke's Mill about 8 Miles distant from Grays is now employ'd. all the other Mills between this Place & the Nuse except the two named last Night want Water. Cobbs Mill the best in the Country and well supply'd with Corn I have dispatched a Patrole to. It lyes on the Coteckney 15 Miles above Peacocks Bridge & [?] from hence.

The Country is alarm'd but the Militia will not turn out -- They were very near [?] their Leaders -- Many People have this Day apply'd for Paroles. They all mention a Detachment of British Troops being lately at Halifax -- some say that Philips & Arnold [p2] are pointing towards Roanoke -- I have dispatch'd two good People to ascertain the News in that Quarter which I shall gladly communicate to your Lordship -- No News this Day from any Place beside -- I shall collect all the Provisions possible to morrow & move but not over the Coteckney till I receive Your Lordship's Instructions -- I wish to hear from you, but if any Account worth attending to, occurs before that Honor I will instantly inform your Lordship If Accounts are confirmed no time is to be lost

I have the Honor
to be
Your Lordships
most devot'd Serv^t
Ban: Tarleton

tomorrow to Cobbs Mills

[Source: Public Records Office, Kew, PRO 30/11/6/41-42.]