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

From The Papers Of General Nathanael Greene, Vol. 7, Pages 355-359:
From General Andrew Pickens:
Sir					Camp Rippeys, NC, Feb. 26th, 1781
	“We proceeded from Culverson’s to Lynch’s Mill and took the road to 
Mabans, where we had intelligence of Tarleton’s proceeding towards Butler’s on 
Haw River. We immediately pursued, but found they had crossed and marched for 
Major O’Neal’s, seven miles from it, whither, after the utmost dispatch in 
crossing, we likewise followed. So very little was the expectation of an 
American party, the Inhabitants seemed prodigiously rejoiced, imagining we were 
a fresh party of British. We found them chiefly in arms and prepared to join 
Tarleton that evening. Never was there a more glorious opportunity of cutting 
off a detachment than this, when pushing on with the utmost hope and our men in 
the highest spirits, our sanguine expectations were blasted by our falling in 
with a body of from two to three hundred Tories, under the command of a Colonel 
Piles, under the same deception they suffered Colonel [Henry “Lighthorse”] 
Lee’s Horse to pass equal with their front.

	“Our men were in some measure under the same mistake, but soon found 
out and nigh one hundred were killed and the greatest part of the others 
wounded, unfortunately the Dragoons got separated from us and our Militia could 
not be kept from firing. This brought Night on us and as it could not be 
supposed but in that time Tarleton must have been apprized of it, Colonel Lee 
and myself determined to retire to some plantation for part of the night and 
attack them by day break in the morning.”

“We halted three miles from and kept a party to watch their motion on their 
lines, but by some misfortune we did not get information till they were an hour 
and half gone. We pursued them back to the river and their rear had crossed but 
a small time before our advance got to it. The time taken up in recrossing and 
the distance they were ahead, made Colonel Lee and myself conclude on leaving 
the pursuit, and turning up the river to refresh our horses almost wore down.”

“We were joined by Colonel [William] Preston about three hours previous to our 
march yesterday, with about three hundred. Majors [Joseph] Winston and [John] 
Armstrong have about one hundred each. Colonel [William] Moore from Caswell 
joined me on Saturday with one hundred more. I have ordered Colonel Preston and 
Colonel Paisly [John Peasley] of Guilford, who came with a few men, on the 
south side of the river after another body of Tories, said to be forming 
themselves in Randolph.”

“This affair however, has been of infinite Service. It has knocked up Toryism 
altogether in this part. If you think proper I look upon my moving down this 
river to Redfield Ford would answer an essential service. It would crush the 
Tories and hinder Cornwallis from moving towards Cross Creek, as it is the 
route. I have this moment intelligence of his crossing Eno towards Wilmington 
and encamping within half a mile from town. I sent a party to dogg them 
yesterday and they tell me their foot were kept in a trot all the way. I must 
request you to send me some ammunition and your directions. I am sir, your very 
humble servt. Andrew Pickens”

“I have ordered Col. Locke to halt at Stoney Creek. I would wish to know your 
sentiments whither he shall join you or march after me.”




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