Dear Sir:

Last evening a young man came to town and informed me that he left Portsmouth, in Virginia, on Monday afternoon, and that 25 sail of ships & vessels were just come to anchor a little below the fort, and immediately began to land men, that the Inhabitants were moving their effects. He says further that he was informed another fleet had gone up York River.

This morning another person came in who says he heard the Enemy were landed and in possession of Portsmouth, and that part of them were on their march towards Suffolk; that the Inhabitants of that Town also were removing their effects; that it was reported in Suffolk the fleet consisted of 75 ships and vessels, and that part of them went up York River.

From the two relations above mentioned, the Inhabitants of this place are apprehensive it will prove a serious matter, and have requested me to send an Express to your Excellency with the information, and, as there is a considerable quantity of public stores here, it is thought this Town will be one of the Enemy's objects.