1782. Ms. 29.] COUNT RUMFORD. 21 



Cornwallis had surrendered, and Charles town, in Caro- 

 lina, was in great danger for want of reinforcements 

 and food. 



Early in 1782 Lord G. Germain wrote to General 

 Leslie, who commanded at Charlestown : ' I agree 

 with you that mounted troops are the fittest for service 

 in the southern provinces, but I cannot encourage you 

 to expect that any will be sent from home ; I am glad, 

 however, you will have Colonel Thompson's assistance 

 in forming what you have. His offer to serve in your 

 army until the season for action to the northward 

 arrives corresponds with that public spirit and zeal for 

 the King's service which prompted him to quit his civil 

 situation and engage in the military line.' 



General Leslie wrote to Sir H. Clinton, January 29 : 

 ' The army is now well clothed and recovered from the 

 sickness and fatigue it underwent during the last 

 summer. 



'The several detached corps of cavalry have been 

 incorporated into distinct ones under the command of 

 Lieutenant-Colonel Thompson. From the unwearied 

 attention and diligent efforts of that officer they are 

 become respectable, and I have everything to expect 

 from this improvement.' 



On February 20 Lieutenant-Colonel Thompson 

 wrote to the Honourable Lieutenant-General Leslie 

 that he has not been so fortunate as to meet with the 

 enemy he had come in search of ; but the following 

 despatch was sent by him on February 25, 1782 : 



