the
season.

"The conquest of Illinois and Wabash was effected with less
than two hundred men, who will soon be reenforced; and, by
holding posts on the back of the Indians, it is hoped may
intimidate them. Forts Natchez and Morishac are again in the
enemy's hands; and from thence they infest and ruin our
trade on the Mississippi, on which river the Spaniards wish
to open a very interesting commerce with us. I have
requested Congress to authorize the conquest of those two
posts, as the possession of them will give a colorable
pretence to retain all West Florida, when a treaty may be
opened."[297]

Within two months after that letter was written, the dreaded warships
of the enemy were ploughing the waters of Virginia: it was the
sorrow-bringing expedition of Matthews and Sir George Collier. The
news of their arrival was thus conveyed by Governor Henry to the
president of Congress:--

WILLIAMSBURG, 11 May, 1779.

SIR,--On Saturday last, in the evening, a British fleet
amounting to about thirty sail ... came into the Bay of
Chesapeake, and the next day proceeded to Hampton Road,
where they anchored and remained quiet until yesterday about
noon, when several of the ships got under way, and proceeded
towards Portsmouth, which place I have no doubt they intend
to attack by water or by land or by both, as they have many
flat-bottomed boats with them for the purpose of landing
their troops. As I too well know the weakness of that
garrison, I am in great pain for the consequences, there
being great quantities of merchandise, the property of
French merchants and others in this State, at that place, as
well as considerable quantities of military stores, which,
tho' measures some time since were taken to remove, may
nevertheless fall into the enemy's hands. Whether they may
hereafter intend to fortify and maintain this post is at
present unknown to me, but the consequences which will
result to this State and to the United States finally if
such a measure should be adopted must be obvious. Whether it
may be in the power of Congress to adopt any measures which
can in any manner counteract the design of the enemy is
submitted to their wisdom. At present, I cannot avoid
intimating that I have the greatest reason to think