The Virginia Gazette

To the PRINTERS.

WHILE various conjectures are formed about the conduct of the inhabitants in the lower parts of the country, upon the late invasion, perhaps the sentiments of one, who was a spectator, may be acceptable to the publick. It may appear surprising to those, remote from the scene of action, that no better resistance was made; but when every circumstance is known and considered, there will be no room for wonder, nor cause of censure. Those counties have been drained of so many young men during the war, that their military force is very trifling, even if employed with the utmost skill. The people could not be insensible of this, and their own weakness in every respect; therefore it was natural for them to be alarmed on the sudden arrival of a fleet, which looked really formidable. The officers, when they saw the rapid progress of the ships, perceived their danger; but could they have laid the most perfect plan of a noble defence, they had not time to execute it. Some of them exerted their efforts in raising militia to throw assistance into the fort; but before this could be done, it was attacked and forced to surrender. For such was the difference between the strength of the assailants, and those who opposed them, that nothing great could reasonably be expected from the latter. After this, every thing within the environs of Norfolk, was in the hands of the British troops. Struck with dread and consternation, many of the inhabitants escaped from their habitations with all they could carry away; the more cool and deliberate, resolved to remain in their houses and ask for mercy: And in general, if they have offended, this is their only fault, that they implored clemency and mercy. The troops did not scour the whole of the lower counties, but wherever they marched, the people are much distressed, and call aloud not only for pity and compassion, but for relief and assistance. The article of bread is much wanted among them; and I doubt not that the humane and charitable will turn their attention to the sufferings of their countrymen, while the unthinking and unfeeling will condemn their conduct, and accumulate their misfortunes. However it is to be hoped that, in a country like this, there will be only a small proportion of the latter; for how destitute of every christian virtue? How lost to every noble and generous sentiment must that man be, who can bear down upon the oppressed, and add weight to their afflictions!

PLAIN TRUTH.