[Extract]

... Before you can receive this you will have seen the Letters to Governour [Robert] Eden from Ld G. Germain. They had a good Effect here ー I think almost every Man except the Treasurer is willing to declare for independentcy ー But I fear it is too late for Virginia for if the Attack should be made here, which we have now great Reason to expect, we shall be able to make but a poor Resistance ー Our Army is but an handful of raw undisciplined Troops indifferently armed, wretchedly clothed, & without Tents or Blankets ー our People are some Places discontented about [Patrick] Henry's Resignation, in others on Account of the removal of the Troops from their Neighbourhood, & in others at the Apprehension of being removed as the People of Norfolk & Princess are to be into the interior Parts of the Country. In this State of Things God knows what will be the Consequence of a vigorous Push made by a Fleet & 6 or 7 Regiments.