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Gives a detailed account of his month-long journey westward with his family and others, especially traveling on the Monongahela River to Fort Pitt and further; Indians were unfavorable; the families fared well, and the wives "prove the greatest of Heroines"; hope to arrive in Ky. soon; is sending a Valuable horse in order for a "Negro woman" he left behind to be sent out as soon as possible.

Scope and Contents Gives details of military action in North Carolina and the Va. peninsula as well as the rumor that General Henry Clinton was killed when his transports were driven ashore in a storm; has heard that Congress declared independence publicly the first of the month and that a member of the Annapolis Convention had visited the courts of Spain and France to gain assurances of an alliance being formed..

Scope and Contents American army now equal to British, and they are holding their own; General Putnam's division surrounded a British outpost and took 69 prisoners; 2 British and 4 Hessian deserters joined them.

Troops are ill and reinforcements needed badly or "we shall not have it in time to prevent the destruction of American affairs," since "the Enemy" has been strongly reinforced; more military news, including talk of General Washington and his depleted troops, and his dependence on the "stupidity and baseness of New England politicians," referring to Washington having to wait for reinforcements...

Gives details of a peace meeting in Pittsburg [sic], Pa., held between the members of the colony of Va. and Indian commanders, including four or five hundred Indians from different tribes, including the Shawnee and the Delaware; all seem to want to establish a lasting peace, even though John Connolly, along with Governor Dunmore, have tried to put a stop to it.

Discusses problems of the camp including lack of arms and inexperienced officers; removal of type and a journeyman from the Norfolk printer by Dunmore; Capt. Dandridge is meeting with the Committee of Safety on protecting communication up the rivers from Norfolk; arrival of Col. Patrick Henry.

Are under arms because of firing at the James River and Lord Dunmore's "resolution ... of being at the Palace today"; would face Dunmore's 250 effective men with 400 who are "undisciplined, ill-armed but resolute"; feared the actions of the local inhabitants might have hindered them in case of attack; expects 150 barrels of powder brought by ship to Surry; shortage of good guns.

Describes that day's battle at Great Bridge; discusses casualties and weapons captured.

Just returned form duty in Norfolk; Dunmore is rumored to be planning to go to North Carolina; describes a recent skirmish in Norfolk; rumors of smallpox on Dunmore's ships; will march to Williamsburg shortly; explains his refusal to accept a continental commission.

See Box I, Folder 1 for the original.