This town and neighbourhood have been much disturbed lately with the elopement of their negroes, owing to a mistaken notion which has unhappily spread amongst them, of finding shelter on board the men of war in this harbor, notwithstanding the assurances given by the commanding officers, that not the least encouragement should be shewn them.
On Friday last, [July 28] a deputation from the Common-hall of this borough, waited upon the Captains [John] M'Cartney and [Matthew] Squires of the men of war now lying here, with the thanks of the Corporation for their conduct, in discountenancing the runaway slaves that have made application for service on board.
On Monday last [July 31] arrived here from St. Augustine, about sixty soldiers, on board the sloop tender sometime since belonging to Mr. Bowdoin, of the Eastern shore. These with about forty more, which are hourly expected, are to compose a body-guard for his Excellency the Governor, at his intended place of residence, on board the ship William.
The troops above-mentioned are under the command of a Captain and two Lieutenants: the Ensign, it is said, is on his way over land. The Committee of this borough, early on yesterday morning, despatched an express to the Honorable the Convention of the colony, now sitting at Richmond, informing them of the arrival of the troops above-mentioned.
