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them. Their whole force then proceeded to the Hundred, being the point of land within the confluence of the two rivers, embarked, and fell down the river. Their foremost vessels had got below Burwell s ferry on the 6th instant, when on the arrival of a boat from Portsmouth, and a signal given, the whole crowded sail up the river again with a fair wind and tide, and came to anchor at Brandon ; there six days provision was dealt out to every man ; they landed, and had orders to march an hour before day the next morning. We have not yet heard which way they went, or whether they have gone, but having, about the same time, received authentic information that Lord Cornwallis had, on the 1st instant, advanced from Wilmington half way to Halifax, we have no doubt, putting all circumstancs together, that these two armies are forming a junction.
We are strengthening our hands with militia, as far as arms, ei ther public or private, can be collected, but cannot arm a force which may face the combined armies of the enemy. It will, therefore, be of very great importance that General Wayne s forces be pressed on with the utmost despatch. Arms and a naval force, however, are what must ultimately save us. This movement of our enemies we consider as most perilous in its consequences.
Our latest advices from General Greene were of the 26th ult., when he was lying before Camden, the works and garrison of which, were much stronger than he had expected to find them.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your Excellency s
most obedient humble servant,
TH: JEFFERSON.
LETTER LVI. TO THE VIRGINIA DELEGATES IN CONGRESS.
In Council, May 10, 1781. GENTLEMEN,
A small affair has taken place between the British commanding officer in this state, General Phillips, and the Executive, of which, as he may endeavor to get rid of it through the medium of Con gress, I think it necessary previously to apprise you.
General Scott obtained permission from the Commandant at Charleston, for vessels with necessary supplies to go from hence to them, but instead of sending the original, sent only a copy of die permission taken by his brigade major. I applied to General
