The Virginia Gazette

WILLIAMSburg, MAY 29.

The enemy after destroying all the publick stores at Portsmouth, (except the heavy cannon) which they could not carry off, and plundering the inhabitants in the most merciles manner, evacuated that place on Tuesday last. They lay some time before Hampton in a menacing posture, but observing our troops prepared to give them a suitable reception, they did not choose to hazard a descent, and on Wednesday hoisted sail and stood out to sea. They have carried off a great number of slaves with them.
Extract of a letter from Col. Marshall to Brigadier General Nelson, dated Hampton, May 26, 1779.

The enemy's fleet are now under sail and stand out, but whether they mean to leave us altogether, or only to move to some more defenceless quarter, where they may ravage and destroy with impunity, is a question out of my power to determine. I shall however watch their motions, and give you the earliest intelligence, and if I find they turn up the bay or into York river, I shall with the greatest part of the troops under me join you immediately.

I cannot conclude this letter without mentioning the activity and zeal, with which the Gentlemen of the light horse under Capt. Nelson, have shewn on all occasions. They really are an exceeding useful corps, and have set a most laudable example. No less applause is due to the college volunteers: they have submitted with the greatest cheerfulness to every duty of a Soldier, and seem eagerly to wish for an opportunity to distinguish themselves. Indeed my dear General, to do justice to the whole militia under my command, since the enemy have lain immediately before this town, I must with pleasure acknowledge, that I never in my life saw troops fly to arms with more readiness than they have always done on any alarm, and I believe there were only a few but wished most heartily to come to action with the enemy.

I shall watch the fleet till they get out of the cape or turn up the bay, and shall give you the earliest intelligence.
Extract of a letter from Major Matthews to Brigadier General Scott, dated Portsmouth, May 25, 1779.

I was last night informed by my scouts, that the enemy had evacuated their post at Batchelor's mill, I immediately began my march from the North West river bridge about 2 o'clock this morning, and by a forced march arrived at this place about 3 P. M. they evacuated this post at 5 P. M. yesterday after destroying the works at Tucker's point, the heavy cannon they suffered to remain in the same state I left them, the carriages only are destroyed, the light cannon have lost their trunnions and nuts, but may yet be of service.

One of the enemies transports got a ground near the fort, which afforded us half an hours amusement, pretty smart, without any damage on our side, we hulled the ship once, and damaged her sails and rigging, but the tide rising and they taking goods from her in a number of boats under cover of a galley which kept up a smart fire on us, enabled them to get her off in a short time. Our strength on the march amounted to 130 men, it was by few more than I have been able to muster since my retreat.