[Extract]

I must apologize for the hurry in which I wrote you yesterday, since which nothing of moment has happened but the abandoning of the fort by the enemy. We have taken possession of it this morning, and found therein the stores mentioned in the enclosed list, to wit, 7 guns, 4 of them sorry, 1 bayonet, 29 spades, 2 shovels, 6 cannon, a few shot, some bedding, a part of a hogshead of rum, two or more barrels, the contents unknown, but supposed to be rum, 2 barrels of bread, about 20 quarters of beef, half a box of candles, 4 or 5 dozen of quart bottles, 4 or 5 iron pots, a few axes and old lumber; the spikes, I find, cannot be got out of the cannon without drilling.

From the vast effusion of blood on the bridge, and in the fort, from the accounts of the sentries, who saw many bodies carried out of the fort to be interred, and other circumstances, I conceive their loss to be much greater than I thought it yesterday, and the victory to be complete. I have received no late information from Norfolk or Princess Anne, nor yet fixed on a plan of improving this advantage. I have despatched scouting parties, and from their intelligence shall regulate my future operations.

Enclosed is an inventory of the arms, &c. taken yesterday, to wit, 2 silver mounted [fusils] with bayonets, 1 steel do. without bayonet, 24 well fixed muskets with bayonets, 6 muskets without bayonets, 28 cartouch Boxes and pouches; 3 silver mounted cartouch boxes, 2 cannon do. 26 bayonet belts, 27 caps, 2 hats, 1 barrel with powder and cartridges, 1 silk handkerchief with linen in it, 2 watches, cash 12s.6d. 1 pair of gloves, 4 stocks and buckles, 1 pair of silver shoebuckles, 3 pair of silver knee buckles, 2 snuff boxes, 10 knives, 1 barrel with ball and oakum, 12 coats, 12 waistcoats, 11 pair of shoes, 12 pair of ga[i]ters, 1 pair of breeches, 1 shirt, 1 pair of stockings, a parcel of old knee buckles, a parcel of old buttons, and a black handerchief. The arms I shall retain for the use of the army; the other articles I shall dispose of at vendue, and apply the money arising from the sale in such manner as the Convention shall be pleased to direct.

Lieutenant Battit [Batut], having an inclination to inform the King's troops of the humane treatment he has met with here, I despatched Ensign [Benjamin] Hoomes with a flag of truce, who returned with the enclosed answer from the commander of the fort, viz: "Captain Leslie presents his compliments to Mr. Battit, and returns Colonel Woodford his sincere thanks for his kind treatment of the prisoners. He is happy Mr. Battit's wound is so slight, but is extremely sorry for the loss of poor [Charles] Fordyce."

The unfortunate Capt. Fordyce was a Captain of the grenadiers, of the 14th regiment; most of the soldiers were grenadiers of that regiment. As the Captain was a gallant and brave officer, I promised to inter him with all the military honours due to his great merit, which I hope will meet with the approbation of the Hon. Convention.

About 250 Carolina men are arrived under the command of Col. [sic Captain Edward] Vail; they are composed of regulars, minute-men, militia, and volunteers, and have brought with them 6 cannon. I have received no certain account of Col. [Robert] Howe, where he is, what number of force he commands, how armed and provided, or when or where he intends to join us.

I shall pay a due regard to the reinforcements you mention, and the establishment of the posts. I am just informed by Lieut. Battit that a servant of Major Marshall, who was in the party with Colonel [Charles] Scott, and deserted, informed Lord Dunmore that not more than 300 shirtmen were here: That imprudent man caught at the bait, and dispatched Capt. Leslie with all the regulars, who arrived at the fort about 4 in the morning.

I have enclosed the Honourable the Convention a general return of the forces under my command, also a list of sick and wounded. It is my wish to have orders for what is to be done with the wounded prisoners when able to travel. I recollect nothing more to add at present, than that I am, [&c.]