On Sunday last I was informed that Lord Dunmore was landing his troops on Thacker Washington's plantation, a little below Hoo's ferry. About twelve o'clock the same night, the Major of the county came express, to let me know that the fleet was then at Marlborough, a few miles above Boyd's-hole. The alarm was soon spread, and in a very little time the shores were covered with men. I went over early yesterday, and discovered four ships and three tenders. They appeared, as near as I can guess, to be somewhere about Dumfries. The remainder we supposed to be below, either coming up, or attempting to land. Some few of us then pushed down the river, but found the militia dispersing just before we got to Boyd's-hole. They had received information that the balance of the fleet was at anchor near the mouth of the river. This morning early we returned to Patowmack river, and saw only three ships and two tenders, and hearing very distinctly, at the same time, a heavy cannonade at or near Alexandria, we concluded the other ship and tender had made the town a visit, where they will certainly meet with a warm reception. As yet we have no account. I shall proceed to morrow morning up the river Patowmack, and continue there till the fleet goes down.
