2

These instructions, I would likewise wish, might point out
my conduct in many other things, that could be fix'd by the
wisdom of your councills, much better then left wholly to
my discretion- we have likewise confined here Negro Tom
belonging to a man in Carolina, has been Run away two
years. I have inform'd his master, that upon proving his property,
& paying
all charges his slave shall be deliver'd-
Charles, belonging to [blank] Montgomery of Portsmouth, taken
by our scouts, a very suspicious Fellow, & from what appear'd
upon his examination, upon no good in this neighbourhood,
he continues under Gaurd in Irons .Will who says he belongs
to George Corby of black Water (Norfolk County) remains confined
till further orders. Capt. Wm. Hodges (who's instructions
from Ld Dunmore I enclosed to the Honble Mr. Page), his charactor
as to political princables, is very bad, & if I am rightly
inform'd, deserves to be punished, except his insignificancy
should excuse him, he is confined till further orders .
John Ryal, a Baker taken in a Boat with 400 # Flour & 12 1/2 Bushs.
Salt coming up this River, is said to be an Enemy to our cause,
& has Baked & assisted the Ministerial Troops since they
took part here, these articles being much wanted by us, &
supposing they were intended for the Enemy, are made use
of & the person confined 'till further orders.

Colo Wells is this moment return'd from Carolina & brings
a Letter from Colo Vail (a coppy inclosed) likewise informs
that the cannon are not mounted, no powder with the party
but 300ls. on this side, in possession of a Mr. Lamb, who will
deliver it to Vail upon his march, the mens arms but Indifferent