In Council Wmsburg, Sept. 26th, 1777.
Sir:—
The Board having received information that the Ocracock Inlet has been blocked up, by some of the Enemy's small Cruisers and Tenders, and it being suggested that if the Gallies, which were directed to be built and fitted out at the joint expense of North Carolina and Virginia, or even any one of them, could be expeditiously equipped, that important pass might be easily opened to the great advantage of these States, and possibly to the disgrace and destruction of that part of the Enemy's Fleet.—It is therefore hoped that your Excellency will give such orders in this matter, as may appear to you most likely to produce the desirable purposes just mentioned. We have desired Chapion Francis Esquire, one of the Commissioners of the Navy to examine into the State of the Gallies at the South Quay, & to give directions for the immediate Execution of what may be wanting in our part, that we may be able as soon as possible to cooperate with your State in the most vigorous manner, for our mutual defence. I cannot refrain from acknowledging the obligations I think the State is under to you Sir, for the orders you issued for one third of your Militia to hold themselves in readiness to march to our assistance on the late alarming occasion, and to the good people of North Carolina for
the readiness they have always shewed to assist us. May an affectionate mutual attachment between Carolina and Virginia ever increase, to the Honor and security of the United States in general, and of these contiguous sister States in particular.Last Tuesday evening the whole of the Enemy's Fleet, which had gone up the Bay, went out of our Capes. We have received no authentic accounts, but from the best that can be collected, we lost 6 or 8 hundred men—& the enemy near 2000 in the action on the 11th instant.
General Washington has received Reinforcements and Howe has retired, from the Head of Brandywine to Wilmington. I have enclosed you the papers of the week for your further information, and have the Honor to be with the highest respect