---

D. Sir:

On the 14th inst. an Express came to Halifax from Virginia, to inform us that the British Horse were on their march from Petersburg for this place by the Way of Hick's ford. That Night I reconnoitred almost to the Ford, until I discovered the Information was groundless. On the 16th I was prepared to sett off for Wm. borough agreeable to your Summons, when another Express arrived, purporting that the British Horse were at Lunenburg Court House on Sunday Morning, that their Rout from thence was Brunswick Court house, Hick's ford, Halifax and then the Pitch Landing, and that Night I also employed in reconnoitring. Being much fatigued, and moreover much distressed by the Situation of my Family, I was induced to defer my Departure from Halifax. Last Night we got Intelligence that the Enemy marched by the Way of Brunswick Court house, and arrived between ten & twelve o'Clock yesterday, at Hick's ford about 300 Strong. We have been assured that they had 500 Men at Lunenburg; possibly some of them may have crossed Roanoke higher up than this, or have taken another Rout down the Country. I can't find any sufficient Object to draw them to Halifax, yet they are confidently expected to be here in two or three

Hours. Perhaps they wish to plunder the Town this Trip; for young Mr. Long, who reconnoitred almost to Brunswick Court house, says they sweep every thing before them now.

---