Lynch's Creek, 27th Augt. 1780.

I am sorry to acquaint you, General Gates is defeated with great loss, he was obliged to retreat to Charlotte, which obliged me also to retreat. You will without loss of time retreat what men you get to Britton's Neck where I have encamped. It is necessary to obtain ammunition, arms and accoutrements and as many good horses as you can, also get stores from George Town. You will if possible send up the River to Britton's Neck. On the 20^th instant I attacked a Guard of the 63^d and Prince of Wale's Reg^t. with a number of Tories at the Great Savannah near Nelson's Ferry took 22 Regulars and 2 Tories prisoners, and retook 150 Continentals of the Maryland Line, 1 waggon and a drum, one Captain and one Subaltern was also captured. Our loss is 1 killed and Captain Benson slightly wounded on the head. I shall be at Britton's Neck with the prisoners and Continentals to-morrow evening. I must beg you'd retreat as immediately as you receive this, for I expect the enemy will send their Horse in this part of the country, as soon as they can recover a little from the great loss they sustained which is said equal to defeat. General DeKalb is killed, DuBuyson wounded, the particulars have not come to hand. I beg you'd procure me two quires of paper, I have not heard a word from you since you left me. I am dear Sir, your obt. Servt.,

FS. MARION.