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Great Bridge 11th Decr 1775.
Sir.
Several people from the other side the River have come in to me this Morning, & informs they saw Smallwood at the Ferry where the Enemy crossed in their Retreat to Norfolk, he says he counted their Dead & wounded, & 65 crossed in the Boats, but does not know what other Officers are among the number, one of them inform'd him that but 11 of Fordyers Grandrs escaped, two other of their Dead are found since my last acct to you. This moment arrived here Mr William Calvert from Kemps Landing, & informs that his Brother Mr Max Calvert escaped from Norfolk at 5 oclock this morning, & says the Enemys whole loss was 102 Killed & wounded, among them several officers but does not remember their names, that he was present when his Lordship rec'd the news of the defeat, at which he Raved like the madman he is, & swore to Hang the Boy that gave the Information this Day he likewise says he was inform'd they had quited their Breast work, & the Scotch Tories with all their affects were geting on Board Vessells, that a petition from the people of Norfolk was preparing to be sent me, but does not know the contents. I forgot in my letter of yesterday to inform the Honble the Convention that my small stock of Provisions had induced me to dispatch
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most of my waggons to Suffolk & Cabbin Point for Flour &c, & not foreseeing this Luckey attempt of the Enemy (which fortune has thrown in my way) render'd it impossible to march with any stores & Baggage, the Great Bridge with several small ones & the causeway are now repairing, & will be finish'd to night- Lt Colo Stevens with 6 Companys will march Immediately for Kemps, & if my Acct from Norfolk is confirm'd, I shall proceed with greatest part of the Troops, & leave our Baggage to come up It will give me pleasure to receive the further Commands of your Honble Boddy & I am, with the greatest respect,
Sir Your obedt humble servt. Wm Woodford
