Willis Wilson and Thomas Newton Jr. letter August 15, 1793.

Willis Wilson and Thos. Newton, Jr., to the Governor.
August 15th 1793.
Norfolk
Sir:
Your letter and instructions of the Council to us, we read yesterday, and have given notice by way of preventitive that we shall inforce our instructions against any who shall attempt to arm vessels within this port. We are sorry to say that we are in a feeble situation for want of a Fort, as a vessel might be in our river & bid us defiance, with out cannon to command respect. We have two situations, one on each side of the River, fit for erecting Forts; and if only six cannon were mounted in each, they would command any vessel that Should dare attempt a violation of the Neutrality. Without something of this kind is permitted, we can only prevent Stores, &c. from being taken off the Shore.
A Fort would be a place of safety for a Magazine & place of arms, which would not only awe those who may attempt, a violation of the Neutrality, but be a means of preventing insurrection. A few men kept in them would answer all purposes, as the places are contiguous to Norfolk & Portsmouth, from whence reinforcements in a few minutes might be thrown in. We want powder, lead, & cannon ball, our situations being the same. We beg leave to communicate our sentiments Jointly.
We are with Sentiments of the Greatest Respect,
Your Excellencies Ob't Servants.

Fort Norfolk Documents

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Source of Information

CALENDAR of VIRGINIA STATE PAPERS and OTHER MANUSCRIPTS, FROM AUGUST 11, 1792, TO DECEMBER 31, 1793, PRESERVED IN THE CAPITOL AT RICHMOND. ARRANGED AND EDITED BY SHERWIN McRAE. VOLUME VI. RICHMOND: A. R. MICOU, SUPERINTENDENT PUBLIC PRINTING. 1886