The Virginia Gazette

RICHMOND, October 18.

Extract of a letter from an officer of the southern army, dated Burke county, Oct. 2, 1780.

On my crossing the Catawba river, I dispatched to different quarters, expresses for intelligence, and this evening I was favoured with this glorious news that you may depend on to be fact; that Colonel Clarke of the state of Georgia, with 100 riflemen, forced his way through South Carolina to Georgia. On his way through he was joined with 700 men; has made his way to the town of Augusta, and taken it with a large quantity of goods, but not finding it prudent to continue there, has retreated to the upper parts of South Carolina, in Ninety Six district, and made a stand with 800 brave men. And this moment another of my expresses is arrived from Colonels McDowell and Shelby; they were on their way near Burke court-house, with 1200 brave mountain men; and Colonel Cleveland was within 10 miles of them with 800 men, and was to form a junction with them this day, I expect to join them to-morrow, on pursuit of Col. Ferguson, and under the direction of Heaven I hope to be able to render you a good account of him in a few days, I hope that we, in a short time shall have the upper parts of South Carolina and Georgia in our possession.

Rocky river, Sunday 2 o'clock, Oct. 10.

Dear Sir,

I HAVE the pleasure to enclose to you a large packet of dispatches taken yesterday at McAping's creek, on the way to Camden, by a small party of my brigade. A detachment of 120 horse, under Rutledge and Dixon, almost surrounded Charlotte yesterday; attacked a picket at Col. Polk's mill, and at a certain Mr. Elliot's; brought off a sentry and eight tories, who are now on their way to you; a small party of riflemen brought off fifty horses from the tories at Col. Polk's plantation. I have the honour to be, &c. &c.

WILLIAM DAVIDSON.

P.S. Dixon lost but one man, and killed one, and one officer wounded.

W. D.

General Sumner.

Copy of a letter from Col. William Davidson, to General Sumner, dated camp Rocky river, Oct. 10.

I HAVE the pleasure of handing you very agreeable intelligence from the west. Ferguson the great partizan, has miscarried; this we are assured of by Mr. Tate, Brigade Major in General Sumter's late command. The particulars from that Gentleman's mouth stand thus: That Colonels Campbell, Cleveland, Shelby, Sevier, Williams, Brandon, Lacey, &c. formed a junction body near Gilbert Town, consisting of 2000. From this body were selected 1600 good horse, who immediately went in pursuit of Col. Ferguson, who was making his way to Charlotte. Our people overtook them when posted on King's mountain; and in the evening of the 7th instant, 4 o'clock, began the attack, which continued 47 minutes. Col. Ferguson fell in the action, besides 150 of his men; 10 were made prisoners, including the British; 150 of the prisoners are wounded; 1500 stand of arms fell into our hands. Colonel Ferguson had about 1400 men. Our people surrounded them, and the enemy surrendered. We lost about 20 men, among whom is Major Chronicle of Lincoln county; Col. Williams is mortally wounded; the number of our wounded cannot be ascertained. This blow will certainly affect the British very considerably. The designs of our conquering friends near King's mountain are not clearly known; it is most probable they will secure their prisoners in or over the mountains, and proceed towards Charlotte. The Brigade Major who gives us this, was in the action. The above is true. The blow is great. I give you joy on the occasion.

Camp, Yadkin ford, Oct. 10, 5 o'clock P. M.

SIR,

WITH great satisfaction I inform you of the defeat of Major Ferguson on King's mountain, 4 o'clock Saturday afternoon. The particulars I enclosed you as I received them a few minutes ago; also a letter from General Davidson of his securing 29 barrels of powder, which was secreted some time since near Charlotte. I am, Sir, with great respect, &c.

JETHRO SUMNER.

P. S. The draught General Davidson mentions of the enemy's lines was omitted, by some means or other, being enclosed to me, but you may expect it by the next express from this, if the mistake is discovered.

J. S.