Sir I inclose you a Letter from the President of the Provincial Council of [North] Carolina which just now came inclosed to me by express. I am so happy as to have my conduct approved by that Honorable body & to receive their orders to continue here while my assistance shall be thought necessary to your Colony which I assure you Sir gives me real pleasure. Things here remain much in the way as when I wrote last only that at least seven eighths of the Town is reduced to Ashes, by which means we are more exposed to their shot than formerly, we however are dispos'd of in such a manner as to be least liable to accident & most likely to prevent their Landing should they attempt it; They keep up a pretty smart fire every now & then and seem now taking post where they can fire with the greatest probability of annoying us; this induces me to think we shall have warm work presently. We had several men wounded yesterday & last night, a Corporal of the Carolina Troops I fear mortally. I must beg of you Sir, to excuse the inaccuracies of this Letter for I am not only exceedingly fatigued, but a good deal indispos'd. Two Companys of the Amelia people are come in good season, for many of the men are sick. I have the Honour to be Sir [&c.]

Norfolk Jany 3d 1775 [sic 1776].