October 1st, 1780

        We spent tha day moving onward to attack the rebels I once called friends. I would leave my position but I cannot afford it. I know I would be killed. I am payed well where I am. I now need my rest under the blanket of stars above me.

October 6th, 1780

        We attacked tha rebels and killed their sheriff in Richmond. We spent three days fighting them. I was wounded slightly and fear that aide will not come. I still move on with the troops just tha same.

October 14th, 1780

        About three-hundred men were waiting for us on the west side of Yadkin River. Thirteen of our men, along with Captain Bryan were killed. Tha scene of tha blood spilled that day will remain scored into my mind forever. We had about eight-hundred men and more were sent at tha word of our loss. Peasley arrived with his men to attack. I am angered and also amazed at tha Patriots' victory. We had so many men and so much on our side. General William Smallwood said that God was on his side. At least, that is what I heard while I was hiding. I have been lowered so much by this war. If only the king could have let them have what they wanted in the first place, rather than making this expand into such a terrible fight.

October 15th, 1780

     I know my life is narrowing down. I was shot in the legs twice later on that day at tha river. No one has come to me. I fear they know not of where I am. I have tried to stop the bleeding, but it is of no use. I only wish to write down my love for my wife, two daughters, and beloved son. I also pray that this war ends soon in the Patriots' favor.

        The battle near Shallow Ford crossing and Yadkin River took place on October Fourteenth of 1780. Captain Henry Francis, Captain Bryan, Captain Burke, Ball Turner, and several other men were killed at the spot when three-hundred and fifty Patriots attacked about nine- hundred Tories. The fight only lasted forty-five minutes with recorded casualties on both sides up to seventeen men.