Dobbs County, NC - Richard Caswell to William Caswell, 1775

The Second Continental Congress 
  
He reached his destination on May 9 and wrote to his eldest son, 
William then eighteen years old, describing the military displays he 
had witnessed on the journey, which caused him to urge the North 
Carolinians to emulate the example of the other colonists. 
  
He said that on May 1 at Petersburg, Virginia, "The express told him 
the news of the Baffle of Lexington, where 37 Bostonians had been 
killed and similar number wounded' & emdash; April 19, 1775. 
  
When he reached Philadelphia, the streets were filled with war-like 
music and 2,000 men marched out daily to the commons to drill. In 
closing he expressed his opinion to his son, that it will be "A 
reflection on North Carolina to be behind her neighbors. It is 
indispensably necessary to form companies, to arm them, and to elect 
officers. I will join on my return home, as a private if necessary. 
Some will object that it will be acting against the government. Answer 
them that we are preparing ourselves to defend our country and to 
support our liberties." (Colonial Records, IX, 1247). Submitted with 
the kind permission of the Lenoir Co. Historical Association form the 
book, The Heritage of Lenoir County 1981
  
  
Caswell's Letter to his son William from Philadelphia
May 11, 1775.
My Dear Son, 
By a gentleman bound to Tar River, 1 now write to inform you that after 
I parted with you, Mr. Hewes and myself proceeded on our journey as 
follows: Sunday evening we arrived at Petersburg in Virginia where we 
met the ex-press with an account of a Battle between the King's Troops 
and the Bostonians. The next day we crossed James River and lodged at 
Hanover Court House, where we had an account of 1,500 men being under 
arms to proceed to Williamsburg in order to oblige Lord Dunmore (Royal 
Gov. of Va.) to return some powder he had taken out of the magazine and 
lodged on board of a man-of-warm James River. The next day we were 
constantly meeting armed men who had been to escort the Delegates for 
Virginia on their way towards this place. Then when we got down to 
Potowmack (Potomac) side before the boats returned here were part of 
the Militia of three counties under arms, and in the uniforms of 
hunting shins. They received us and conducted us, on the return of the 
boats, to the water's edge with all the military honors due to general 
officers. 
  
We then crossed the river, and learned at the ferry on Maryland side 
that a company of Independent in Charles Co. had attended the Virginia 
Delegates from thence under arms. Their Company consisted of 68 men 
besides officers, all genteelly drest in scarlet and well equipped with 
arms and warlike implements, with drum and file. 
  
Then finally we arrived at Baltimore through a most terrible gust of 
lightning, thunder wind, hail and rain and they conducted us to our 
lodgings at the Fountain Tavern (Grant's). 
  
The next day we were prevailed on to stay at Baltimore, where Col.. 
Washington, accompanied by the rest of the Delegates, reviewed the 
troops. The next day we breakfasted at my old Master Cheynes and dined 
at Susquehannah; crossed the river and lodged at the ferry house. As I 
had in some measure been the cause of the Virginia gentlemen going 
'round the bay by recommending that road, and being the only person in 
the Company acquainted with the road, I was obliged to keep with them 
so that I did not call on any of my relations. I sent George (servant) 
to Joseph Dallam's where he left the letters I brought for our friends 
and was informed my grandmother and all friends were well except Mrs. 
Dallam who had been poorly some time. The next day we go to Wilmington 
where we fell in with several of the Maryland Delegates and came all 
into the City (Philadelphia) to dinner on the 9th. instant 
  
Yesterday the Congress met (May 10, 1775) agreeable to appointment, and 
this day it was resolved that they enter upon the consideration of 
American grievances on Monday next. Here a greater martial spirit 
prevails, if possible, than I have been describing in Virginia and 
Maryland. They have twenty-eight Companies complete, which make 2,000 
men, who march out to the common and go thro' their exercises twice a 
day regularly. Scarcely anything but warlike music is to be heard in 
the streets, There are several Com-panies of Quakers, they are raising 
men in New York and all the northern governments. I herewith inclose 
you a paper in which is a list of the killed and wounded of the King's 
troops. On the side of the Bostonians, thirty-seven were killed 
outright, four are missing, and I forget the number wounded – I think 
thirty odd. 
  
Thus, you have the fullest account l am able to give of these matters; 
and as the account is so long, 'Twill not be in my power to communicate 
the same to any other of my countrymen and friends but through you. You 
may therefore remember me in the strongest manner to your uncles, 
Captain Bright, and others. Show them this letter, and tell them it 
will be a reflection on their Country to be behind their neighbors; 
that it is indispensably necessary for them to arm and form into a 
Company or Companies of Independents. When their Companies are full, 68 
private men each, to elect officers; viz, a captain, two lieutenants, 
an ensign and subalterns, and to meet as often as possible and go thro' 
the exercise, Receive no man but such as can be depended on; at the 
same time, reject none who will not discredit the Company. If I live to 
return, I shall most cheerfully join any of my countrymen, even as a 
rank and file man; and, as in the common cause am here exposed to 
danger, that on any other difficulties I shall not shun whilst I have 
any blood in my veins, but freely offer it in support of the liberties 
of my Country. 
  
Tell your uncles, Clerk Samuel and Sheriff Martin, it may not be 
prudent for them so far to engage yet awhile in any Company as to risk 
the loss of their offices. But you, my dear boy, must become a soldier 
and risk your life in support of those invaluable blessings which once 
lost, posterity will never be able to regain. 
  
Some men, I fear, will start objections to the enrolling of Companies 
and exercising the men and will say it will be acting against 
Government. That may be answered "that is not so"; that we are only 
qualifying ourselves and preparing to defend our Country and support 
our liberties. I can say no more at present. But that God Almighty 
protect you and all and His blessing attend your good endeavor is the 
ardent prayer of, my dear child, your affectionate father 
Richard Caswell 
P.S. Only show this letter to such as I have described above and don't 
let it be copied. Consult Capt. Bright, etc. 

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