Dear Sir:
I received your favour by Capt. Hervey, and was very glad to hear the Gentleman was so ready to turn out. At the time I wrote your Excellency I believed the situation of this part of the State was in a bad way, as the Enemy seemed determined to force our premature pass. Since that they have left the post that we are in possession of, and have embarked on board their vessels, and on the 23rd this Inst. they left the bay. It is believed they intend for the Southward, but for the Certainty I am not able to say. Under these Circumstances I have Discharged the Troops that were here, and have wrote to General Eaton on the same subject. It is certain they intend to make their winter Campain at Portsmouth, as they had throwed up very good works there. It was a very great affront to tell them that Cornwallis was obliged to Retreat. They Expected to join him at Richmond, in
Virginia, in about ten days from their first landing. A vessel from South Carolina gave them the first alarm. I have done the best I could to get all the Intelligence and strength of the Enemy at this place. Inclosed you will see a list of their strength, from the best authority I could procure, as I have had proper parties out for five days in Norfolk County & Prince Ann. I have nothing more to inform yr. Excellency at present.