Dr. General

The Enemy having gained Williamsburg where they have taken post I think it necessary that the Militia of your State should be called out especially when we consider how much they have been harrassed. I desire however that all the new Levies that can be collected may be brought on immediately whether armed or not, we will endeavour to find what arms may be wanting. You will take the Route to Richmond where you will receive further orders from the Marquis De la Fayette.

The position of the Enemy at Williamsburg is so advantageous that I fear our force is inadequate to the task of obliging them to quit it. I have some small hopes that the Northern Army, assisted by our allies operating against New York, may oblige them to go to its defence. For the present our Army will take a position about 15 miles above Williamsburg to keep them as close as possible with the force we have.