Kingston, 26th May, 1779.
Dear Sir:
I have been honored with several of your favors since you left this, some of which remain unanswered until now for no other reason than that I wished to have it in my power to acquaint you of something which proves satisfactory to you and the officers and Troops under your command. The General Assembly, in their late session, came to a Resolution respecting the officers, a Copy of which I enclose you, by which you will see they have at last tho't of you. They have also, by another Resolve, directed Mr. Craike to proceed directly to Charles Town to purchase clothing for the soldiery. He has bought some in this State, which is making up, and will be shortly sent on. He will in a few days be in Charles Town, where I hope he will be able to procure every necessary for them. The Enemy, having actually invaded the State of Virginia with some shipping and three thousand men, and threatening this State, will prevent our sending out any more Militia to the Southward, I expect, for this summer, but we are endeavouring to fill up our Continental Battalions by allowing every ten Militia men who will enlist a soldier in the Continental service, for 18 months or longer, to be exempt from Military duty out of the State during the Time of such enlistment. If 2,000 men are not enlisted by the first of July drafts are to be made from the Militia for the deficiency; Congress have been applied to to send to your assistance the 2 Regiments remaining there. We have various accounts of the enemy's being before Charles Town, but no certainty. I will thank you for such intelligence as you shall think
proper to communicate pr. the bearer, Mr. Tillory, or any opportunity which offers.Your mo. ob. Servt.,
P. S. The enemy are in posession of Portsmouth, and have burnt every house in Suffolk except the church, and 2 or 3 others near it.