The Virginia Gazette

The following extract of a letter from Norfolk will serve to shew the distressed situation that town is unhappily reduced to by the wanton, unjust, and cruel behaviour of the tools of tyranny and oppression on board the ships of war in that harbour. Various reports have been in circulation here, within a few days past, of a manoeuvre of the soldiery on the 30th ult. and from the communication by water being obstructed, it is seldom we get intelligence from thence; but we are assured the letter contains an authentic account.

Extract of a letter from NORFOLK, October 1.

"Yesterday came ashore about 15 of the King's soldiers, and marched up to the printing-office, out of which they took all the types and part of the press, and carried them on board the new ship Elbeck, in presence, I suppose, of between two and three hundred spectators, without meeting with the least molestation; and upon the drums beating up and down the town, there were only about 35 men to arms. They say they want to print a few papers themselves; that they looked upon the press not to be free, and had a mind to publish something in vindication of their own characters. But as they have only part of the press, and no ink as yet, it is out of their power to do any thing in the printing business. They have got neither of the compositors, but I understand there is a printer on board the Otter. Mr. Cumming, the book-binder, was pressed on board, but is admitted ashore at times: He says Capt. Squire was very angry they did not get Mr. Holt, who happened to be in the house the whole time they were searching, but luckily made his escape, notwithstanding the office was guarded all round. Mr. Cumming also informs, that the Captain says he will return every thing in safe order to the office, after he answers his ends, which, he says, will be in about three weeks. --It was extremely melancholy to hear the cries of the women and children in the streets; most of the families are moving out of town, with the greatest expedition; the carts have been going all this day."