We have some hopes of relief out of a distress which this fleet has so long laboured under. The Roebuck frigate of 44 guns arrived here a few days ago, and last night two men of war and two transports with troops, but what number I know not, as they are yet lying in Hampton-road. We have suffered the greatest distress for want of provisions, the Provincials having destroyed the country on Norfolk side for many miles round, by setting fire to the houses, driving back the cattle, and every thing that might be of use to us. Our ship is changed from an hospital ship to a smith's forge. I have been on shore these last six days with all our people and negroes, intrenching a small neck of land, to preserve a watering-place, and any necessaries it will admit of.