Great Bridge, near Norfolk, Dec. 9.
[Extract]
The enemy were reinforced about 3 o'clock this morning with (as they tell me) every soldier of the 14th regiment at Norfolk, amounting to 200, commanded by Capt. Leslie; and this morning, after reveille beating, crossed the bridge, by laying down some plank, and made an attack to force our breast-work, (the prisoners say the whole number amounted to 500, with volunteers and blacks) with two pieces of cannon, but none marched up but his Majesty's soldiers, who behaved like Englishmen. We have found of their dead, Capt. Fordyce and 12 privates; and have Lieutenant Battit, who is wounded in the leg, and 17 privates prisoners, all wounded. They carried their cannon back under cover of the guns of the fort, and a number of their dead. I should suppose (to speak within compass) their loss must be upwards of 50. Some powder and cartridges were taken. I sent an officer to inform them if they would not fire upon our people they should collect the dead and wounded. This they agreed to, and there has been no firing since. We are now under arms, expecting another attack. There is but one man of ours hurt, and he is wounded in the hand. The prisoners inform that Lord Dunmore has got a reinforcement of highlanders; they, I except, will be up next.