Guilford County NcArchives Military Records.....O'Neal, William February 25, 1781
Revwar - Letters 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Nancy Poquette npoq@hotmail.com May 26, 2006, 3:22 am

Papers Of General Nathanael Greene, Vol. 7, Page 347-348:
	“From Colonel Henry Lee, Jr, [near William O’Neal’s Plantation, Orange 
County, NC], 12 o’clock, Saturday, 25th February 1781.”

	“Dear General, About 12 o’clock, Colonel Pickens and myself in our 
march towards Hillsborough were joined by Colonel [William] Moore, from whom we 
learned that a body of the enemy were advanced to the Haw Fields. Every 
intelligence of their numbers and conduct indicated them to be a foraging 
party. We immediately drove across to the Salisbury road in the rear of the 
enemy. It was presumable that we should come up with them at General [John] 
Butler’s farm which was said to be their object. We gained this point about 4 
in the afternoon, where we discovered that their numbers were respectable, 
their objects extensive and their commander Lt. Colonel [Banastre] Tarleton. We 
also found that they had crossed the Haw River, and were told they were to 
encamp for the night at a Mr. Holts 4 miles on the western side of the river 
where they were to be joined during the night by large body of enlisted 
Carolinians. Solicitous to prevent by a timely stroke this junction and having 
a reason to believe we should find them in two divisions separated at some 
distance, we crossed in pursuit although very inferior in number.”

	“On this decision, I dispatched a courier to order on the Legion 
infantry to secure our retreat in case of disaster, and advised Colonel [Otho] 
Williams of the prospects before us.”

	“We reached Holts about five o’clock where we were again disappointed, 
Colonel Tarleton being then four miles to our right at Major O’Neal’s 
plantation. The troops continued their motion with increased celerity, it being 
our wish to decide the contest that evening. After a march of three miles we 
came up with a party of Colonel [John] Hamilton’s regiment and some North 
Carolinian associates, 350 in number. The Legion cavalry passed them agreeable 
to order, as if British troops. I did this, that no time might be lost in 
reaching Colonel Tarleton. The enemy discovered their mistake on the near 
approach of our militia and commenced action. The rear cavalry were instantly 
ordered to charge by Captain [Joseph] Eggleston and in ten minutes the whole 
body of the enemy were routed, the greatest part of them were left on the field 
dead and wounded. Among the former were Colonel [John] Pyle and several other 
officers. The night came on, and we necessarily deferred farther operation.”

	“We are now in a position on the country side of Colonel Tarleton, 
within three miles of his camp and have received a considerable reinforcement 
of militia. It is highly probable that in the course of tomorrow events very 
important may result. Yours most respectfully, Henry Lee, Jr.”


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