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The Enquirer
Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia
What is this article about?
In York Town on Nov 2, inhabitants face an alarming military threat from British ships Sophia and Acteon at York River's mouth, with absconded negroes likely informing the enemy; defenses are weak due to sickness and only 16 effective men, causing fear among females.
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Extract of a letter to the editors--dated
York Town, Nov 2.
"The inhabitants of this town are placed at the present moment in a much exposed and alarming situation. Six negroes have lately absconded from us and gone off to the enemy; to whom they have doubtless communicated exact information with respect to the state of the place and its means, or rather want of means, of defence.
"Two very large British brigs, the Sophia and the Acteon, are now at the mouth of the river, and a number of barges are to be seen within it. Owing to the sickness prevalent among us, and the absence of many individuals, our whole effective force, hastily assembled on the occasion, amounts only to sixteen: added to which circumstance, many of our negroes appear to be on the watch, and disposed to join the enemy should they land. Our females are much frightened, & with some reason."
Compiler.
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Where did it happen?
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
York Town
Event Date
Nov 2
Outcome
inhabitants in exposed and alarming situation; six negroes absconded to enemy; effective force only sixteen due to sickness and absences; females frightened.
Event Details
Extract of letter describing British brigs Sophia and Acteon at mouth of York River with barges inside; negroes absconded and communicating information to enemy; many negroes watching to join if they land; low defenses due to sickness.