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De Kalb, Johann, 1721-1780 to Richard Caswell

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01766 Author/Creator: De Kalb, Johann, 1721-1780 Place Written: Deep River, North Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: July 9, 1780 Pagination: 2 p. : Height: 32.9 cm, Width: 41 cm Order a Copy

Letter signed as "Baron de Kalb." Writes to Major General Caswell about the Camden campaign. Discusses trouble procuring provisions. Judges that it would not be prudent to travel "not even to Cole's bridge with our whole Body of Troops, for we durst not expose parties of Collecting Provisions, when the Enemies are So near, So Superior in Cavalry & for what I know in Infry; if you would chuse not to go as far as Cole's Bridge but halt Where you now are...We might with propriety reassure our plan for Coxe's." Notes that he will send back some artillery to lighten their traveling load. Also suggests another strategy if Caswell does not agree to the one he outlined. De Kalb died the next month at the Battle of Camden. Letter written at Camp Deep River, and addressed to "The Honorable Major General Caswell."

De Kalb, Johann, 1721-1780
Caswell, Richard, 1729-1789

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