Near Halifax May 8^th 1781

My Lord

I have got 900 Stand of arms one P^r Colours, 20 Hogsheads of Rum Boats enough Meal without. The Enemy are gone. I have sent a Flag after them to exchange prisoners. I have sent to Philips again & again -- I hear nothing new.

Your devot'd serv^t
Ban: Tarleton
L^t Col. Com^t B. L.

[Source: Public Records Office, Kew, PRO 30/11/6/69.]