[Extract]

L. Col. Stephen [Edward Stevens] arrived at Kemp's Landing last night, and agreeable to my orders, sent a party to secure every person in that neighbourhood that had left Norfolk since the battle of the Great Bridge... I have had a number of people from thence today, whose stories disagree. They bring two petitions, one from the poor inhabitants of Norfolk, the other from the distressed Highlanders, which I likewise send enclosed; and, having given no answers to them yet, have detained the bearers for farther consideration.... Major [Francis] Eppes arrived here this evening with his party, and col. [Robert] Howe with 340 of the [North] Carolina regulars.... I shall march to-morrow with a number of the troops. I am just informed, that several sail of vessels were arrived today, thought to have troops on board; but col. Howe supposes them to be the tenders returning from North Carolina.