We have just to hand, by express from Virginia, that Dunmore had issued a proclamation, declaring all Negroes and servants free that belonged to men in arms for the defence of their country;² that he had beat the Provincials in two skirmishes; the particulars are only known to the Congress, which we fear are not very favourable. Great numbers of people, white and black, had repaired to the King's standard, which he had hoisted. As there are in Norfolk many of his sc[oundrel]ly countrymen, English Tories, and others, no better, and thro' the country, in the neighbouring counties of Aromack [Accomac], Hampton, and others on the western shore, many gentlemen wavering, we should not wonder at their being awed to follow this Jacobite Scotch fortunist to their ruin. Little do they or he know what force we are preparing. All the Virginia and North Carolina troops are in full march against him; and for fear they may not be able to follow these vagabonds, traitors to their country, from river to river, as he may proceed with the assistance of his vessels, we are fitting out here a number of ships with the greatest expedition to attack him; they will sail, or at least fall down the river in a few days, viz. The Black Prince, a fine vessel, I believe you know her well, she carries a flag,³ and mounts from twenty to thirty twelve and sixteen pounders, besides swivels, and fights them mostly under deck. Two stout, fast sailing brigs, a sixteen gun sloop, just arrived from Rhode Island, with one or two other ships not yet in commission; the Admiral and Commanders are all determined on, but not publickly known. Other ships will join our fleet in Cheropeak [Chesapeake] Bay, from Baltimore town. . . . there is but little doubt of our united forces soon giving a good account of Dunmore, which we pray most ardently for. We have nothing to fear but from the Asia, a sixty gun ship, lying at New York, that the Captain may have information of the destination of our fleet, and endeavour to interrupt them at our Capes. Hell itself could not have vomited any thing more black than his design of emancipating our slaves; and unless he is cut off before he is reinforced, we know not how far the contagion may spread. . . . Though we look on ourselves quite safe here. Our frigates, and our fort, which is a regular one, on Mud Island, was planned, and partly executed by [Thomas] Gage's Engineer, Capt. Montresure [John Montresor]. Our ballast vessels and Chevaux de Frise, at the narrows and flats, will be very sufficient to defeat any ship that may attempt to annoy us.