Thomas Newton Jr. letter April 29, 1793.

Thos. Newton, Jr., to the Governor.
Norfolk
April 29th  1793
Sir:
Our situation is rather alarming — not a Gun mounted, and no militia form'd; that a very small arm'd force would be able to lay us under contribution. There lies on my land, which I removed there by order of the Executive some time ago, about twenty cannon — mostly six- pounders belonging to the state; and Seventeen, Eighteen, & 24-pounders belonging to the United States, which I was directed also to take care of.  Some of the Guns are spiked, but could soon be put in order.  It was intended to have built a house to put the guns under cover, but as they were fired frequently, I saved that expence, & have the money now lying by me for the sales of some broken cannon, which wou'd answer to put a few of the Guns in order, if your Exc'y & councill will please to direct it. An arm'd vessel, in the situation they are now in, cou'd take them from us. We have no shot fitting for them, if it shou'd be deemed proper to fit them up.
Your Exc'y will be so good as to send us some of six, twelve, & Eighteen pounds weight; powder can be got here as cheap as anywhere. I shou'd also be glad to have it in my power to put the muskets I have into good housekeeper's hands — taking their notes for a safe return or pay the value of them.
Mr. Heron will inform you of some very interesting news from Charleston. We are much at a loss how to act here, & shall be obliged for your opinion. It appears by the Treaties with Holland & France, that both have power to arm vessels in our Ports, & to sell prizes.  I shall be happy to hear from you as soon as possible, as vessels arm'd will be daily coming in.  If your Exc'y will please to send commissions for the artillery company & Light Infantry, they wou'd be immediately raised; with directions what kind of caps they are to wear. I thought it my duty to give this information; if I have erred, you'll I hope excuse —
Y'r Ob't Serv't.

Fort Norfolk Documents

Before 1793, 1793, 1794, 1795, 1796, 1797, 1798, 1799, 1800, 1801, 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805, 1806, 1807, 1808, 1809, 1810, 1811, 1812, 1813, 1814, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864, 1865

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