Robert Brooke letter July 29, 1793.

Ro. Brooke to the Governor.
July 29th
Sir:
Whilst every exertion is made to prevent the citizens of the United States indulging a propensity to favour their allies, the French, in their present struggle, it is certainly improper to permit any of the subjects of the other Belligerent powers to commit acts in our country, which are not only incompatible with the neutrality we are enjoined to observe, but amount also to a violation of our faith. I apprehend this has been done lately in our parts in a variety of instances by the British merchants & masters of vessels arming their Ships, and as I conceive it the duty of every citizen to endeavour to suppress such conduct. I take the liberty to inform you that ten carriage Guns with a Caliber for nine pound balls were purchased at Tappahannock, on the 19th Inst., by a Capt. William Gibson, & sent from there for the purpose of arming the Brandon, (Cap'n Woodrow,) a British merchantman now lying in the Port of Norfolk. I should not have troubled your Excellency with this information had I been acquainted with the fact time enough to have made the necessary communication to the commanding officers of the militia of the county of Norfolk. I hope therefore for your Excuse, & that you will believe me to be with the most perfect Respect,
Your Ob't Serv't.

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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