that
many vessels from France with public and private merchandise
may unfortunately arrive while the enemy remain in perfect
possession of the Bay of Chesapeake, and fall victims
unexpectedly.

Every precaution will be taken to order lookout boats on the
seacoasts to furnish proper intelligence; but the success
attending this necessary measure will be precarious in the
present situation of things.[298]

On the next day the governor had still heavier tidings for the same
correspondent:--

WILLIAMSBURG, May 12, 1779.

SIR,--I addressed you yesterday upon a subject of the
greatest consequence. The last night brought me the fatal
account of Portsmouth being in possession of the enemy.
Their force was too great to be resisted, and therefore the
fort was evacuated after destroying one capital ship
belonging to the State and one or two private ones loaded
with tobacco. Goods and merchandise, however, of very great
value fall into the enemy's hands. If Congress could by
solicitations procure a fleet superior to the enemy's force
to enter Chesapeake at this critical period, the prospect of
gain and advantage would be great indeed. I have the honor
to be, with the greatest regard, Sir,

Your most humble and obedient servant,

P. HENRY.[299]

To meet this dreadful invasion, the governor attempted to arouse and
direct vigorous measures, in part by a proclamation, on the 14th of
May, announcing to the people of Virginia the facts of the case, "and
requiring the county lieutenants and other military officers in the
Commonwealth, and especially those on the navigable waters, to hold
their respective militias in readiness to oppose the attempts of the
enemy wherever they might be made."[300]

On the 21st of the month, in a letter to the president of Congress, he
reported the havoc then wrought by the enemy:--

WILLIAMSBURG, May 21, 1779.

SIR,--Being in the greatest haste to dispatch your express,
I have not time to give you any very particular information
concerning the present invasion. Let it suffice therefore to
inform Congress that the number of the enemy's ships are
nearly the same as was mentioned in my former letter; with
regard to the number of the troops whic