But just after the close of the action* an express arrived from Genl McDowell with a letter to him from Governor Caswell informing of the defeat on the 16th of our grand army under Genl Gates near Camden. In this situation to secure a safe retreat was a most difficult task. Our small party broke with fatigue, 200 British prisoners in charge upwards of 40 miles advance of Genl McDowell who retreated immediately & dispersed upon the receipt of the news of Gates' defeat and Ferguson with 3000 men almost directly in their rear.

It required all the vigilance & exertion which human nature was capable of, to avoid being cut to pieces by Ferguson's light parties. It was known to Col. Shelby that he had a body of dragoons & mounted men that would endeavor to intercept them which caused him to bear up toward the mountains. The enemy pursued as was expected 50 or 60 miles until their horses broke down & could follow no further.

It is to be remarked that during the advance of upwards of 40 miles, & the retreat of 50 or 60 miles, the Americans never stopped to eat but made use of peaches & green corn for their support. The excessive fatigue to which they were subjected two nights & two days effectually broke down every officer so that their faces & eyes swelled & became so bloated in appearance as scarcely to be able to see.

* [Musgrove Mill]

[NOTE: It is very difficult to separate the memoir of the major from the commentary of Rev. Saye, but it seems reasonable that the above would only be known by someone present at the time. -JR]