Manuscript extract of a letter : Cabbin Point, to Brig. Gen'l Jones, 1781 Aug. 29.

Concerning troop movements and relating intelligence from the Marquis [de Lafayette]; saying "Lord Cornwallis means to penetrate with his Army from York to So. Carolina by Land, to avoid being blocked up by the French West India Fleet which is now on the Coast;" saying that the Marquis directs him "immediately to collect every Boat and Canoe in Roanoke below Halifax and have them either brought there or destroyed - Those brought to Halifax must be kept under a Guard, that they may in be either removed or destroyed as circumstances may render necessary;" saying he has just arrived "at this place in order to collect the Militia in the South side of James River & shall as soon as the Enemy begin their movements endeavour to throw as many obstacles in their way as possible - by destroying Bridges, Mills, provisions &c. as soon as I am able to ascertain their route I shall give you immediate notice, retreat before then and endeavour to form a junction with you on Roanoke - Should the Enemy have sent armed Boats or establish Magazines in any place in North Carolina (particularly Newbern) The Marquis requests you will endeavour to destroy them;" adding "The main army is now moving towards James River, but will not cross untill his Lordship moves, but I make no doubt, if your Militia and those from this place turn out well, we shall be able to keep his Lordship at Bay at Roanoke untill our main Army can get up."