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Robert B. Taylor to the Governor March 24, 1813


A flag was to-day sent up from the Enemy's Squadron with a letter to me from Rear Admiral Cockburn, covering one from Sir John Borlasle Warren, for the Secretary of Russian Legation. The latter gentleman had just departed in a vessel for Baltimore, and met the flag in the river. It was his intention to call on board the Admiral's Ship.
The Enemy's force was increased by the arrival of Admiral Warren, and consisted yesterday of two sail of the line, live Frigates, three Brigs, and a schooner in Lynhaven Bay; three ships of the line, two Frigates, and a schooner in Hampton Roads, and one Frigate standing up the Bay- One of the seventy-Fours got under way and strove to get out to sea.
Two sloops coming down the river were taken this morning and carried into the fleet. A schooner was run on shore near Craney Island and burnt, and a large smoke was discovered after a firing on Nansemond river, and was supposed to be occasioned by the burning of another vessel. One of the Seventy-fours has moved higher up the Roads. A Frigate is stationed in the channel of James and Nansemond Rivers.
My outposts at Willoughby's Point at 1/2 past ten, report also that "several Barges, at least ten, and five tenders, all full of men, are advancing up the Roads.''
We had an alarm of the landing of the Enemy last night at 11 o'clock. The troops remained under arms 'till after sun rise and displayed the best animation.
The alarm was occasioned by some boats of our Flotilla down the River.
I am, &c.

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Source of Information

CALENDAR of VIRGINIA STATE PAPERS and OTHER MANUSCRIPTS, FROM JANUARY 1, 1808, TO DECEMBER 31, 1835, PRESERVED IN THE CAPITOL AT RICHMOND. ARRANGED AND EDITED, UNDER THE AUTHORITY AND DIRECTION OF H. W. FLOUENOY, SECRETARY Of THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, AND STATE LIBRARIAN. VOLUME X. 1892