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The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
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Col. Woodford reports to Gen. Lewis that enemy forces abandoned Portsmouth lines due to guard vigilance and fire rafts; British fleet withdrew, burning craft; deserters warn of smallpox; Lord Dunmore demands return of paroled prisoners by May 26 or face punishment. Dated Norfolk, May 22, 1776.
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Extracts of a letter from Col. Woodford to General LEWIS, by express, dated Norfolk, May 22.
THE vigilance of my guards has occasioned the enemy to abandon their lines at Portsmouth. This, and some fire rafts I was preparing, has likewise occasioned the fleet to go off. They have thrown over their salt, burnt the most indifferent of their small craft, and are all now below Craney island, except four ships, which are opposite the distillery, but under way likewise. One of the 14th regiment, and five sailors, have deserted, they inform me they have the smallpox. I have given very particular orders to avoid this evil, if it be true. They all concur in the same story, and likewise that the fleet is bound for Cape Fear; but I doubt whether my Lord does not intend a secret expedition to some other part of the colony. I received the enclosed letter, and list of prisoners from Lord Dunmore, and have sent orders to the guard at Portsmouth to destroy the enemy's works.
"SIR,
Ship Dunmore, May 22, 1776.
ENCLOSED is a list of prisoners on parole, who ought to have returned last Sunday. I therefore think proper to inform you, that if you do not order them to return to me on or before the 26th instant, that I shall most certainly not only not grant the same indulgence to any that shall hereafter fall into my hands, but punish every man of them as they deserve, if ever they fall into my hands again.
I am, Sir, your most obedient humble servant,
DUNMORE.
To the commanding officer on shore."
List of prisoners on parole, who ought to have returned on board the Dunmore the 19th of May, 1776. James Nimmo, John Nimmo, Jonathan Woodhouse, John Woodhouse, Robertson, Fountain, Castwell Garrison, Tully Boony, Hagley, Thompson, King, Roberts, Taylor.
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Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Norfolk
Event Date
May 22, 1776
Key Persons
Outcome
enemy abandoned lines at portsmouth; fleet moved below craney island except four ships; threw over salt, burnt small craft; one soldier and five sailors deserted reporting smallpox; orders given to avoid smallpox and destroy enemy's works; warning from lord dunmore about prisoners on parole not returning by may 26.
Event Details
Vigilance of guards caused enemy to abandon lines at Portsmouth; fire rafts prepared; fleet departed; deserters reported smallpox and fleet bound for Cape Fear but possibly secret expedition; received letter and list of prisoners from Lord Dunmore demanding return by May 26 or punishment; orders sent to destroy enemy's works at Portsmouth.