Robert B. Taylor to the Governor March 13, 1813
The Enemy's force at present consists of three 74s, and one Frigate, lying above Old Point comfort, and 3 ships, 4 Brigs, and three small crafts in Lynhaven. I was yesterday informed by an intelligent and respectable gentleman of Princess Anne (Mr. Woodhouse), that five of the vessels which had been in Lynhaven were Bomb Catches, and he thinks that some of the ships which have departed have gone up the Bay or the rivers, but my outposts do not report these facts.
Last night about 9 o'clock two boats appeared near Sewell's Point and sounded and explored the shore. They were observed by my outpost, and about a quarter of an hour after their retirement, seventeen boats well manned, approached within two hundred yards of the shore, coasted it for a mile, and manifested an intention to land, but the wind blowing very fresh and signals being made from the ships they returned.
My outpost ascribes their return to the wind, but I am satisfied will not land at so great a distance from the point of attack, especially at a time when the naval force cannot co-operate. This and some observations made by the Admiral, as I have no doubt with an expectation, if not an arrangement, that they would come to my ears, satisfies me it is a feint to draw my attention from the real point of attack, and to lead me to push my troops to a distance from Norfolk. I am concentrating my force, though the necessity of guarding two points on opposite sides of the river, and with a force inferior to the enemy's, render it difficult; means of transportation are directed to be provided on both sides of the river, and my outposts are vigilantly guarded to notify me of his movements on land. His boats are cavalry to him 'till be lands and give him great advantages in selecting his point of attack. I think be will land within a few miles of Fort Norfolk. I am using every effort to strengthen my position, but I ought not to conceal from you that without Engineers, without regularity and order in the details of duty, and without any adequate supply of ammunition for Artillery, my arrangements will not be in such a state as I would desire. I have sent several of my officers to explore and to know the country, and I meditate an ambuscade with Taylor's and Marshall's rifle companies to-night, 1/4 past twelve.
An express has this moment arrived which states that two of the Enemy's Ships (supposed Frigates) can be distinctly seen from the beach at Lambert's Point, with their sails settled on the Cape and their tenders having reconoitred as far as the mouth of Tanner's Creek, it is supposed they wait only for the turn of the tide to come up. The wind is fair.
I have been compelled in this emergency to make impressments. I have arrested one man who I shall try by Court Martial as a spy. Three others brought before me and committed with him I have handed over to the civil authority, being citizens, and they have been committed and will be examined as I am told for treason. Two others are detained on suspicion. These unpleasant measures forced on me by the crisis which allows no delay, will I hope find with my country a justification in my motives. Our vessels for blocking up the Harbor are not yet completed, though everything has been done to forward them.
I am, &c.
Fort Norfolk Documents
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Source of Information
CALENDAR of VIRGINIA STATE PAPERS and OTHER MANUSCRIPTS, FROM JANUARY 1, 1808, TO DECEMBER 31, 1835, PRESERVED IN THE CAPITOL AT RICHMOND. ARRANGED AND EDITED, UNDER THE AUTHORITY AND DIRECTION OF H. W. FLOUENOY, SECRETARY Of THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, AND STATE LIBRARIAN. VOLUME X. 1892