Charles Cornwallis letter to Henry Clinton, 6 January 1781

Sir, Wynnesborough, Jan. 6, 1781.

The difficulties I have had to struggle with have not been occasioned by the opposite army : they always keep at a considerable distance, and retire on our approach. But the constant incursions of refugees, North Carolinians, Back Mountain men, and the perpetual risings in different parts of this province, the invariable successes of all those parties against our militia, keep the whole country in continual alarm, and render. the assistance of regular troops everywhere necessary. Your Excellency will judge of this by the disposition of the troops which I have the honor to enclose to you.

I shall begin my march to-morrow, having been delayed a few days by a diversion made by the enemy towards Ninety-Six, and propose keeping on the west of Catawba for a considerable distance I shall then proceed to pass that river and the Yadkin. Events alone can decide the future steps. I shall take every opportunity of communicating with Brigadier-General Arnold.

I have the pleasure to assure your Excellency that the army here is perfectly healthy and in good order.

I have, &c.,

Cornwallis.