Sir.

The Phœnix of 44 Guns & Emerald of 34 with two Tenders are now lying in Potomac between Sandy point and Quantico Creek—Capt Hyde Parker the Commander has issued a Manifest signifying his Desire to exchange Gold & Silver for Provisions, and in case the Inhabitants refuse a sale, his Resolution to take by force every thing wanted by his King's Ships—They have done no deed in their Course up the River except by receiving some fugitive Negroes. But as they have been disappointed in their Expectations of trading, it is expected they will endeavour to pillage the Inhabitants and destroy the exposed Tobacco warehouses on their rout Our people are well disposed to give Battle to the Ravagers wherever they may land, but we have no Arms to equip Men for the Stations which ought to be guarded, And this County is so out of Water, that the Ships can sail to any point much sooner than the Men, who have Arms; can reach it by marching—From the last Accounts there are about one hundred Marines on board the two Ships, And its expected there are three other Vessells of War coming up the River, Under these Circumstances I have been requested to apply to your Exclly. for 60 Stand of Arms to be sent to Portobacco as soon as possible, which You may be assured shall be returned whenever the Occasion for them ceases. I am [&c.]