In my last I acquainted you with the destruction of the greatest part of Norfolk by the Shirtmen, on the 1st of January; they continued plundering and destroying until the 6th inst. when, at four o'clock in the morning, a signal was made, every house from Mr.Farmer's plantation, tan-works, windmills, church &c. were set on fire, and so quick you could not tell which began first. The people are in great distress; they are driving them all up to the back country; and they intend serving all Norfolk county, Princess Ann, and the lower part of Nancymond in the same manner.
The Shirtmen remain at Kemp's Great Bridge, and Suffolk, and stop all provisions coming to the shipping. If troops do not soon arrive, this part of the country will be in a most dreadful situation. Capt. Chesholm and family have lived in a tent in the woods since New Year's Day. My wife and children stay most of their time with him, but I have never been so far from the river. Thank God we are all healthy, and have plenty of provisions at present, and are in great hopes of soon having forces to drive those savages into their lurking holes.
