342 Documents hensions ; if the Colony Troops get possession of Norfolk, the Rifle Men will endeavour to annoy the Ships by taking their stand behind Houses, and firing at the officers or men who appear on the Decks, which may bring on the destruction of the Place, tho' not at this time intended by either Party. Almost all the Goods are pack't up, and moved or moving out of Town, with Household Furniture and everything that can possi- bly be spared, many are gone out to the Country with their Families, in short I believe on the approach of the Virga. Forces every one will go who has any Friends to receive them ; Scotch Men who are single will probably go on board some of the Ships in the Government service. Notice was brought Lord Dunmore on Sunday Evening' that a Body of Men was assembled at the Great Bridge about lo miles distant, up the Southern Branch; on Monday night he went against them with about 200 Soldiers and Marines, and a few voluntiers from Norfolk, about day break on Tuesday He got to the Bridge, but found no Body there; from thence he proceeded to Kemp's" where 'tis said about 300 men were in Arms, these He dispers'd after a few discharges from the Troops. Tho' this happen'd so near us we have not yet got any certain account of it some say three of the Provincials are kill'd and one drown'd, others that only one is kill'd. Several are taken Prisoners, among them Colo. Joseph Hutchings of Norfolk.' Since the dispersion of this Body Lord Dunmore has been employ'd as we're told in receiving submissions from such as are willing to return to their Duty and allegiance, and in making search for these who have been active in raising and carrying on this opposition to Government — For some time past He has declared that as soon as he certainly knew of the Colony Troops having cross'd James River in order to march down here, that he would issue his proclamation declaring them Enemies to the Government, of which herewith send you a copy.* I am extremely sorry that he has promis'd freedom to their Slaves, as without serving his cause it may subject many of these poor Wretches to the Loss of Life, and most severe punishments. You may judge the Situation of Your Country Men at this Crisis, these settled here may be compell'd to take up arms, which is contrary to their inclination, their Interest, and future 'iews. those in the Country must rise to suppress any Insurrection amongst the Slaves, which is ex- pressly mention'd in a Memorial or Petition presented to the Convention at Richmond last August. It would not surprise me to hear of some of them being made Prisoners, as Lord Dunmore has taken several who ' November 12. 'Kemp's Landing, now Kempsville, ten miles southeast of Norfolk. On the skirmish here, see Mrs. Ma-xwell's recollections in Lower Norfolk County Virginia Antiquary, III. 132-134. ' Col. Joseph Hutchings was one of the chief men of Norfolk. See letter of Edmund Pendleton to Richard Henry Lee in Force's Arcliivcs. fourth series, IV. 202.
- For Dunmore's proclamation from on board the William. November 7, 1775,
see Niles, Principles and Acts, ed. i8j2, p. 373, or Force's Archives, fourth series, VH. 1385.
