Thomas Newton Jr. letter August 23, 1782.

Col. Thos. Newton Jne. to Gov. Harrison
August 23d  1782 Norfolk
Sir
By a flag just ariv’d from N. York, information has been given to several persons here, that if they wou’d apply for their negroes, that they wou’d be given up; by desire of them I beg your Ex’cy's advice on the occasion, whether they cou’d obtain flags to N. York to apply for their negroes or not, most of the owners arc hearty friends to the Country & are much distressed.  Coll. Godfrey lost 35, Jno. Willoughby upwards of 90, Capt. Barron 11, & many others in proportion.   their desires are to get a vessel & send some man who cou’d be depended on to make a trial whether the matter can be accomplished or not.   I shall be exceedingly obliged if your Exeell’y will signify your pleasure on the occasion.  Most are afraid that it peace shou’d commence, that the refugees & privateers men wou’d have an opportunity of carrying the negroes off & disposing of them in the West Indies, which they have been inform’d of by some prisoners immediately from N. York.
I am
Yr. Exc’ys most obt. Servant.

Fort Norfolk Documents

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Source of Information

CALENDAR OF VIRGINIA STATE PAPERS AND OTHER MANUSCRIPTS
FROM JANUARY 1, 1782 TO DECEMBER 31, 1784
PRESERVED IN THE CAPITOL AT RICHMOND
ARANGED AND EDITED BY Wm. P. Palmer, M.D. of Virginia
Under authority of the Legislature of Virginia
PREPARED FOR PUBLICATION BY Sherwin McRae, Under authority of the Library Committee.
VOLUME III
RICHMOND; JAMES E GOODE, PRINTER.
1883.