h landed and took
Portsmouth, and afterwards proceeded and burnt, plundered,
and destroyed Suffolk, committing various barbarities, etc.,
we are still ignorant, as the accounts from the deserters
differ widely; perhaps, however, it may not exceed 2000 or
2500 men.

I trust that a sufficient number of troops are embodied and
stationed in certain proportions at this place, York,
Hampton, and on the south side of James River.... When any
further particulars come to my knowledge they shall be
communicated to Congress without delay.

I have the honor to be, Sir, your humble servant,

P. HENRY.

P. S. I am pretty certain that the land forces are commanded
by Gen'l Matthews and the fleet by Sir George Collier.[301]

In the very midst of this ugly storm, it was required that the ship of
state should undergo a change of commanders. The third year for which
Governor Henry had been elected was nearly at an end. There were some
members of the Assembly who thought him eligible as governor for still
another year, on the ground that his first election was by the
convention, and that the year of office which that body gave to him
"was merely provisory," and formed no proper part of his
constitutional term.[302] Governor Henry himself, however, could not
fail to perceive the unfitness of any struggle upon such a question at
such a time, as well as the futility which would attach to that high
office, if held, amid such perils, under a clouded title. Accordingly,
on the 28th of May, he cut short all discussion by sending to the
speaker of the House of Delegates the following letter:--

May 28, 1779.

SIR,--The term for which I had the honor to be elected
governor by the late Assembly being just about to expire,
and the Constitution, as I think, making me ineligible to
that office, I take the liberty to communicate to the
Assembly through you, Sir, my intention to retire in four or
five days.

I have thought it necessary to give this notification of my
design, in order that the Assembly may have the earliest
opportunity of deliberating upon the choice of a successor
to me in office.

With great regard, I have the honor to be, Sir, your most
obedient servant,