Richard Harrison Letter

A handwritten letter from Richard Harrison at "Camp Guildford CH" dated March 15, 1781. The cursive text on aged paper describes military movements and personal anxiety before the battle with Cornwallis.

Copy 

Camp Guildford C.H 

15th M. 1781

My dear Nancy 

When I write to you, I write to everyone who expects to hear from me—vis my brother Jimmey your Father and Mother &c All have my best wishes but none can raise the anxiety I feel for you It is scarcely possible to paint the agitations of my mind (if it were worth the while) struggling with two of the greatest events in nature at the same time: the fate of my Nancy and country. O my God I trust them with you; do with them for the best.  

The day seems nearly at hand that will render North Carolina perfectly happy or completely miserable. Our General is a great and a good man, his army numerous and apparently confident of victory. The British soldiers it seems have mutinied and demand to be marched back. Great things have been done in South Carolina by Marion and Sumpter. We daily expect to hear of the surrender of Arnold Gen Greene has published in camp that Count DeEstaing has taken 6 British ships of the lines, 3 Frigates, and 45 Transports with troops for America. If we succeed against Cornwallis, we expect to be discharged instantly, for by that time the Continental troops will eat up all the provisions that this country and South Carolina affords. As for myself and Harry, not much need be feared. Harry is a good soldier and will be a credit to his family, I don't doubt. It may be we shall fight this battle in 2 or 3 days yet & perhaps not at all as there is a way for Cornwallis to get away, but I am sure of this Greene will not give way ground again. Give my love to sister Betsy & Mrs Hampton. Let me hear as soon as possible how it is with you. This is the very day that I hope will be given me a creature capable of enjoying what its father hopes to deserve & earn the sweets of Liberty and Grace—      

I am, dearest Nancy, 

Mrs Ann Harrison                                                                                            Yours forever 

Granville County                                                                                           Richard Harrison 

No Carolina 

(The following is also upon the same sheet with the foregoing written across the paper.) 

Dear Sir 

            Thos. Williams son has just arrived from the Camp, soon after he left the Army on Thursday the firing—first the pickets, then the artillery for 40 minutes, then the musketry for 3 hours. A complete victory over the enemy is the report. All the surgeons from the Hospital are ordered to the field of battle. Eternal God confirm the glorious tidings. If you don't forbid, I shall keep the Plough until monday evening.         

God be with you all 

Henry Pattillo 

[Note: It is probable the letter signed R. Harrison was sent to Revd. H. Pattillo, who wrote the above lines expecting that his daughter Mrs. H. had not heard correctly the issue of the battle and directed it back to James Harrison, a brother who lived in the family of Majr. R. Harrison during his absence.]

Note 

It is probable the letter signed R. Harrison was sent to Revd. H. Pattillo who wrote the above lines expecting that his daughter Mrs H had not heard correctly the issue of the battle and directed it back to James Harrison a brother who lived in the family of Majr. R. Harrison during his absence.