Wmsburgh August 30th 1777 —
Sir
Your Congratulation on our Success was most welcome. You have mine most sincerly. I am happy to think that the disaffected, both on your eastern Shore & ours, are not so numerous as the Enemy expected, & I once feared. Some People, a considerable Number, in Northampton, who had refused the Test, upon the Appearance of the Fleet, took it with Alacrity. The Enemy having landed in your State, will give you some Trouble, in which my most ardent Wish is to give you Assistance. One third Part of the Militia of Eight Countys, is ordered to march to Frederick Town in Maryland, to act under Genl Washingtons Orders agreeable to a Resolution of Congress. I've ordered to the eastern. Shore two Galleys, two companys of Regulars, two field pieces, a few Indians with Colo Gist, & I must think, a considerable Force there might greatly distress the Enemys Rear, while the main Army shall pass the Front.
Two small Batterys are nearly finished at Sengoteagu & Matompkin, where the trade of this & your State may receive some Assistance. Is there any Method by which Virginia can annoy the Enemy & thereby assist you?
I must beg you will please to give me the most early Intellegence of every Movement of theirs from Time to Time that so this Country may be on its Guard. With very great Regard I am Sir [&c.]
P. Henry
1. Revolutionary War Collection, MS 1814, MdHS.