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To His Excellency Abner Nash, Newbern.
Sir:

I have this moment received information that the Enemy are landing forces at Kemp's Landing in Virginia. I have, in consequence of this information, sent an Express in order to learn their movements. I have also dispatched letters to the different Colos. in my district, requiring them to have their regiments equipped in the best manner they can, and to hold themselves in readiness to march on the shortest notice. I have likewise wrote to Col. Long for one thousand stand of arms, if to be spared, we not having one Hundred good Muskets in the district. I hope all this will meet your Excellency's approbation, and that you will direct how I am further to proceed. My information says there are sixty Sail of Vessels, but the number of troops not known.

I am to inform your Excellency that last Monday two large Gallies with sliding Gunter mast, with, as was judged, about 60 men in each, came over Roanoke Bar and went through the marshes. On receiving this information the Town of Edenton sent out a Boat to reconnoitre, which is not yet returned. The town have been under an alarm ever since this information came up. We this Moment learn that fireing was heard last night the occasion of which we know not, but conjecture it to be some of the homeward bound Vessels who have fallen in with these

Gallies. I shall keep your Excellency informed from time to time of what happens in this quarter.

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