Late on Wednesday night [May 3], Col. Carter Braxton arrived in town, from a number of armed people, all men of property, led by Patrick Henry, Esq; on their march for this city, from the counties of Hanover, New Kent and King William. The intent of their coming, we are well assured, is the general alarm spread over the country by the removal of the gunpowder from the publick magazine, and to secure the treasury from a like ca[ta]strophe; as also to seize upon the person of his Majesty's Receiver General (then in this city) till either the gunpowder was restored, or a sum of money paid down to its value. Next morning Col. Braxton returned, with the Honourable Richard Corbin's bill of exchange for 320 I. sterling; and at the same time; the inhabitants of this city engaging themselves to guard the publick treasury, the Gentlemen dispersed yesterday afternoon, and are returned to their respective homes, perfectly satisfied with the success of their expedition. They had proceeded as far as Doncastl's, about 15 miles from town, where they were encamped to the number of 150 men and upwards, all well accoutred, and had a very martial appearance.
As soon as his Excellency the Governour received intelligence of the above armed force coming down, he despatched a messenger to the Fowey man of war, now lying before York town, and by 10 o'clock yesterday morning a detachment of 40 sailors and marines belonging to that ship, under the command of Capt. Stretch, arrived at the place; they did not march through the main street, but were led through the governour's park.
The town of York, we are well informed, was threatened with a cannonade from his Majesty's ship Fowey, by her commander, if the inhabitants presumed to molest the troops in their landing, or on their march to this city. They are now at the palace; how long they will stay is uncertain.
Upwards of 100 of the citizens last night guarded the publick treasury, and patrolled the streets.
This morning a warrant was issued to search certain houses for arms, suspected to have been taken out of the magazine in this city, a considerable number being missing, but the officer, we hear, has not been able to find any.
The Right Honourable the Countess of Dunmore, with all the Governour's family, are now on board the Fowey man of war.
The Rising Sun, Peterson, from London, is arrived in York river. He left the Downs the 13th of March, in company with about 20 transports, who put into Spithead the 16th, to wait their final orders to proceed to Corke, to take in troops for America.