Sir

My Lord Dunmore having a quantity of Corn ー which he understands would be of great service to, (and was much wanted for the Cavalry to the Northward) and beg'd I would send some men in a Sloop to carry it to Boston, I have therefore for the good of the service, sent a Petty Officer and six of my People in the Betsey Sloop for that purpose, In my last to you of the 13th September by the Mercury, I informed you that the People of this part of Virginia seem'd to be peaceably inclined, but am sorry to say that for these two months past, they have taken every method to annoy the Kings Ships, Boats & Troops where-ever they see them, firing on them on all occasions. I some time since went in a Tender with three other Tenders in Company in order to prevent their sinking Vessels in the mouth of Hampton Harbour when they fired on me, and killed two of my People, and wounded two more, and from the imprudence of the Officer on board a small Tender running to near the town, their Musquetry was so great that several of my People swam from her to me, and the Rebels took the Vessel with four men, which Men they have since returned. On the 14 of last Month His Excellency Lord Dunmore, and the detachment of the 14th Regiment embarked in Boats from Portsmouth, and went up a River near a place called the Great Bridge intending to dislodge some men that he had heard was there, whose intention was to stop Provisions coming to Norfolk. His Lordship from thence, in his March to Norfolk, was attack'd and fired on by some Rebels whom he soon drove off, after killing one, and taking seven or eight Prisoners, with a Colonel Lawson & Colonel Hutchins men who have been very buisy in currupting the minds of the Poor deluded people of this Colony: His Lordship then issued his Proclamation (a copy of which I send you,) As Mr John Atkinson the Petty Officer that brings you this, was a Volunteer with Lord Dunmore on the expedition I refer you to him for more particulars. We have now a small fort at the Great Bridge, which the Rebels must pass to come to Norfolk. we have destroyed the Bridge, and for these ten days past, have kept a body of near nine hundred Rebels from passing. We have likewise entrenched the town of Norfolk, and I have great reason to suppose, & hope from their being such Cowards, and Cold weather coming on, that they will return to their respective homes, & we shall be quiet the remainder of the Winter. I am securing all the Provisions I can, for the King's Ships and hope to get a sufficient quantity untill we can have a supply from the Northward. I must hope sir when in your Power to spare a Victualer you will send one.

I by desire have sent two Prisoners taken by his Lordship no doubt but his Lordship has sent their accusations; Two ー other Prisoners taken by Captn Montagu the one Captn Dean, whose accusation I here inclose, the other a Captn Porter² for bringing Powder and Shot for the Rebels, & in sight of the King's Tenders throwing it overboard. Enclosed I send you the State and Condition of His Majestys Sloops Otter & Kingsfisher, with the demands for Stores from the Officers of the said Sloops.

I am well convinced that had we a few more troops, and one or two more Ships, that the Rebels in these parts would be very soon quieted.

Am also to acquaint you, that from the Boatswain of the Otters frequently behaving in a tyrannical manner to the Ships Company, often Insolent to the Officers, as well as neglecting his duty, I have thought proper to suspend him, and have given an acting order to one of my Seamen. Enclosed I send you three Letters, which I received from St Augustine to be forwarded to you, and am Sir with assurances that all that can be done for the good of the Kings Service shall be done by Sir, [&c.]