Virginia Argus

From the Enquirer Extra of Friday.

ALARM IN FREDERICKSBURG.

About Sun-rise, this morning (Friday) an Express arrived from Fredericksburg--and put into the Governor's hand the following Despatch.

Fredericksburg, Thursday, July 15th, 2 o'clock,

SIR,

From information received this morning by express from the col. Commandant of King George County, the British fleet consisting of several frigates and a number of smaller vessels are in the Potomac, and lay last night opposite to Hooe's ferry. Captain Green with his Volunteers has gone over to the Potomac this morning. The militia of the town are now under arms, and expresses are sent to inform the officers in the adjacent counties. Three rifle companies from the 51st Regiment arrived here a few hours ago, on their march to Richmond under orders from your excellency. They are commanded by Captains Durwell, Sowars and Gilkerson. We wish these companies to remain here till it is ascertained what course the enemy means to take. Whether he means to proceed up the river, or land his forces with a view to plunder, or to make an attack on this town, a few days will develope.

The officers commanding these companies under orders from your Excellency, have consented at the solicitation of the Mayor and Common Council of the town, to wait until we can hear from you. For this purpose the gentleman who will hand you this, waits on you --We hope you will permit these companies to remain here, and in the neighborhood of the Potomac. We have a sufficient quantity of Powder These companies have rifles --If you permit them to remain according to our wishes, some ball and powder horns will be wanting. Be so good as to forward your answer by this bearer as speedily as possible

Very respectfully,

Your ob't serv't,

GEORGE FRENCH, Mayor.

Should your excellency determine, that we are to remain here, you will have the goodness to order on Tents, Powder, Balls, &c. indeed we have nothing with us but good men, & good rifles.

ROBERT CARTER BURWELL, Col.

JAMES H. SOWERS, Capt.

CALMER CATLETT, Lt. Com't.

Capt Sambaugh also begs leave to state, he is also placed in the same situation and waits for your excellency's further orders.

Wm. WOODWARD. Lieut.

P. S His troops from Shenandoah county.

P. S, An express has this moment arrived, stating that the enemy, was within a few miles of Potomac creek.--4 o'clock.
MEASURES TO MEET THE ENEMY.

Within five minutes after the Express came in, the Executive had adopted its measures. A corps of mounted riflemen & troopers, have started for Fredericksburg. and will reach that place to-morrow, at sun-rise. Such is the immense benefit of mounted troops! So quick in march! So rapid in execution! Col. McDowell (of Augusta) has gone on from the Flying Camp, near this city, to take the command. Tents, &c. &c are on their way. We have no fears for the safety of Fredericksburg. Our troopers will wait on the enemy until they see him out of the Potomac.