they instantly resolved to put themselves under
his command, and to march at once to the capital, either to recover
the gunpowder itself, or to make reprisals on the king's property
sufficient to replace it. Without delay the march began, Captain
Patrick Henry leading. By sunset of the following day, they had got as
far as to Doncastle's Ordinary, about sixteen miles from Williamsburg,
and there rested for the night. Meantime, the news that Patrick Henry
was marching with armed men straight against Lord Dunmore, to demand
the restoration of the gunpowder or payment for it, carried
exhilaration or terror in all directions. On the one hand, many
prudent and conservative gentlemen were horrified at his rashness,
and sent messenger after messenger to beg him to stay his fearful
proceeding, to turn about, and to go home.[178] On the other hand, as
the word flew from county to county that Patrick Henry had taken up
the people's cause in this vigorous fashion, five thousand men sprang
to arms, and started across the country to join the ranks of his
followers, and to lend a hand in case of need. At Williamsburg, the
rumor of his approach brought on a scene of consternation. The wife
and family of Lord Dunmore were hurried away to a place of safety.
Further down the river, the commander of his majesty's ship Fowey was
notified that "his excellency the Lord Dunmore, governor of Virginia,"
was "threatened with an attack at daybreak, ... at his palace at
Williamsburg;" and for his defence was speedily sent off a detachment
of marines.[179] Before daybreak, however, the governor seems to have
come to the prudent decision to avert, by a timely settlement with
Patrick Henry, the impending attack; and accordingly, soon after
daybreak, a messenger arrived at Doncastle's Ordinary, there to tender
immediate satisfaction in money for the gunpowder that had been
ravished away.[180] The troops, having already resumed their march,
were halted; and soon a settlement of the trouble was effected,
according to the terms of the following singular document:--

DONCASTLE'S ORDINARY, NEW KENT, May 4, 1775.

Received from the Honorable Richard Corbin, Esq., his
majesty's receiver-general, L330, as a compensation for the
gunpowder lately taken out of the public magazine by the
governor's order; which money I promise to convey to the
Virginia delegates at the General Congress, to be under
their direct