William Sharp to the Governor February 8, 1813
We were alarmed on Saturday night between 9 and 10 o'clock by the firing of a heavy cannon from a Gunboat near Craney Island and one from Fort Norfolk, immediately after which the Frigate and Fort Nelson beat to arms. I was on Horse-back and instantly done the same thing, and although the alarm proved unnecessary. I was much gratified, for never since I have been in command have I witnessed the alacrity with which the Militia of the 54th turned out — in less than one hour (late as it was, many being in bed,) our whole force was collected, formed and ready to act.
The same evening a serious affair occurred : From thirty to forty Spanish and Portugese Sailors assembled armed with knives, and before their object was known, killed one man and badly wounded several others.
In a few minutes we suppressed the mob, and these cowardly assassins fled. We, however, succeeded in apprehending fifteen of them, who are now in jail. Some of them, it is supposed, will die of the wounds justly inflicted on them by the American Sailors.
On Saturday evening the two 74 Gunships went to sea and had not returned at sunset last night. The other British ships still remain. We are very much harrassed with watching, but shall not relax. We believe that before now aid is preparing for us. It cannot come too soon. Your Excellency is aware of our wants, as well in ammunition as men. I go to-day to the Ray Shore (Pleasure House), where between two and three hundred men of the 20th Regiment are assembled in arms) to make arrangements with Col. Robinson for co-operation, and to establish communications. Col. Robinson yesterday drew from the Contractor, for the United States, rations for four hundred men for eight days, and to-day will receive from Major Nestell twenty Tents.
Yesterday three Captains and eight or ten Seamen arrived from the enemy's ships on parole. They state that two other 74s (Poitiers and Northumberland), with a Rear Admiral, are daily expected to join the British Squadron. I understand that admiral Warren has declared this, and all Southern ports, in a State of Blockade, and officially notified Col. Freeman of the fact by letters received yesterday.
I am, &c.
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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