The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a letter from Wm. Hatton, to N. Coffin, Esq; receiver-general and cashier of his majesty's customs at Boston, dated Norfolk, Nov. 21, 1775.

It is now, and has been for some time past, an established rule to break open all letters either going from or directed to any officer in the service of the crown.

It was with difficulty, I will assure you, that I now am able to transmit them, as my going from Accomac to this place was opposed by upwards of 300 people of the county, who will not allow any vessel to come to this place, for fear of supplying the ships of war, and other troops, with provision; and I will assure you, that I am doubtful whether I may not be obliged to take a shelter in some of the ships, or at least on this side the bay, as I expect, during the confused usurpation of power that an officer of the customs, if he only acts with Spirit, or as his dutiful oath binds him, that he will most absolutely fall under the lash of the damn'd committees, &c. who, on such occasion, will show them as little mercy as they themselves may expect in the future world.

And as I have, on sundry occasions, opposed their measures, and strove to convince the deluded people of their error, I have, by this means, rendered myself obnoxious to them; and no doubt, if ever in their power, shall have their whole weight of vengeance laid on me. But while I am acting in favour of government and my own steady principles I make no doubt but I shall be able, with half the number, to meet them in the field, as I hold it to be an established point, that those who fight or take up arms against government are always in dread, and fight to great disadvantage, knowing that they are fighting against their sovereign, by whom alone they can hope for protection against their real enemies, and who, out of his grace and favour, has offered them protection from all their foes, and who would be glad to see them return to their duty, and embrace the proffered grace. They know that the halter is round their necks, and if taken (which they can do no less than expect) that they are liable to be trussed up, without any delay; whilst the favourers of government know the goodness of their cause, and the support that may, at any time, be given from the friends thereof, to assist them against all enemies. They also (no doubt) are assured, that if they fall in a glorious and good cause that they have done their duty, and may expect their reward in a future state. You will be glad, no doubt, to hear, out of so many enemies to government, that there is some who have courage (even in these hazardous times) to confess the lenient measures used by those in power, and who have sworn allegiance to their lawful sovereign: amongst which, the inhabitants of Norfolk town and county, Princess Anne, Nansemond, &c. have signed and recorded, to, I believe, 2000 and upwards.

The late engagement at hemp's, I believe, has been cause sufficient for numbers, who have been constrained, to throw off the yoke, and boldly to stand forth and confess themselves friends of government, numbers having been forced to take up arms against their wills, as has been proved since the late action. God send a happy conclusion to this bad beginning. How long I may stay amongst them here is uncertain, as I have a design to remove, and have a promise from those in power for a better place, I have reason to expect, somewhat nearer you than this. My letters please direct to the care of mr. Sprowle, Norfolk (or Gosport rather) who will forward them.