USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia and representative citizens, V.1 > Part 5
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On the 15th day of October, 1775. soon after this episode a body of British troops was dispatched to Kempsville, in Princess Anne County, where they destroyed some firearms which had been deposited there, and captured Capt. Thomas Mathews, of the minute-men, the first patriot prisoner of war taken on the soil of Virginia.
On the 7th day of November. 1775, Lord Dunmore proclaimed martial law, declaring all persons able to bear arms who did not rally to the King's standard to be traitors and offer- ing freedom to the slaves of rebels who would join his Majesty's troops. All of this only intensified public irritation and increased the ardor of Virginians in the cause of freedom.
On the 16th day of November. Dunmore
again invaded Princess Anne County, sur- prised and defeated the militia who were on the march to join the colonial troops for the defense of the tide-water section of Virginia. Jclin Ackiss, one of the minute-men, was killed on the field and Colonel Hutchings and eight others were wounded and taken pris- oners. So the first Virginia soldier gave his life for the independence of our State on the scil of Princess Anne County. Stirring events and thrilling times were now at the culminating point in Princess: Anne and Nor- folk counties. The British were fortifying Norfolk and gathering to the royal banner all the Tories, and all the negroes who could be induced to leave their masters. These were armed for incursions into the country to de- stroy the commissariate collected for the sub- sistence of Virginia troops. Suffolk, where most of the provisions were in store, was the objective point of Dunmore's designs.
Col. William Woodford, anticipating these plans of the royal governor, dispatched 215 light troops under Col. Charles Scott and Maj. Thomas Marshall to that place. and on the 25th day of November the gallant Wood- ford arrived there with the main body of the Virginia troops.
Colonel Scott was one of the unique char- acters of the American Revolution. He was born in Cumberland County, Virginia. and raised the first company of volunteers south of the James River, which entered into actual service. He was promoted until he received the rank of major-general, and received the thanks of Congress for gallant and meritor- ious conduct : subsequently he was governor of Kentucky. While governor he announced that he was going to Philadelphia during the session of Congress to visit his old com- mander. He was told that Washington had become "stuck up" with the importance of his high office, and was too much of an aristocrat to notice him in his hunting shirt. buckskin leggins and long beard. Notwithstanding he went. and as he approached the house. Wash- ington and his wife recognized the old hero,
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both rushed out and taking him by the arm escorted him in. Governor Scott said that he was never treated better and he found Wash- ington "Ole Hoss" still. The soldiers' pet name for Washington was "Ole Hoss."
Maj. Thomas Marshall was the father of John Marshall, the great jurist and most em- inent Chief Justice of the United States, who was also in Colonel Woodford's command.
Colonel Woodford informed the conven- tion then in session at Williamsburg of the military situation and the American Archives, Vol. 4. Page 76. reprinted in the Colonial Rec- ords of North Carolina. Vol. X. Page 341. in the report of proceedings says. December 1. 1775. "A letter from Col. Woodferd of the Second Regiment was laid before the con- vention and read respecting the situation of the troops under his command and of them under Lord Dunmore: that he had received an offer of assistance from the commanding officer of the troops situated in North Caro- lina, not far distant, which he had hitherto declined to call for. thinking the force suffi- cient. but that he would take his measures as circumstances should occur.
"Resolved. that the President be required in a letter to Col. Woodford to be sent by express. to desire he will risk the success of his arnis as little as possible. and. it there is not a moral probability of securing with the troops he hath. he will embrace the offer of assistance from those of North Carolina by sending immediately for them."
Lord Dunmore had fortified on the Nor- folk side of the Southern Branch of the Eliza- beth River at Great Bridge and Colonel Wood- ford marched his forces from Suffolk by way of Deep Creek to within cannon shot of the enemy's work on the opposite side of the causeway where he constructed breastworks. On the 9th day of December. 1775. Cap- tain Fordyce led his British grenadiers to storm these works, only to receive a signal de- feat. The assault was marked by great gal- lantry on the part of the British soldiers, and Fordyce fell within 15 steps of the breast- works. Twenty-one killed and wounded were
left on the field, and it was estimated that a greater number was borne off before the re- treat. The British hastily retreated to Nor- folk, and Dunmore fearing pursuit abandoned his entrenchments and embarked his troops on his men-of-war for security from attack.
The F'irginia Gasette.published on the 14th. five days after, gives the following particu- lars of the battle of Great Bridge: "The Great Bridge is built over what is called the South- ern Branch of the Elizabeth River, twelve miles above Norfolk. The land on the east side is marshy to a considerable distance from the river, except at the two extremities of the bridge, where are two pieces of firm land, which may not improperly be called islands, being entirely surrounded by water and marsh and joined to the mainland by causeways. On the little piece of firm land on the further or Norfolk side Lord Dunmore had erected his fort, in such a manner that his cannon com- manded the causeway on his side and the bridges between him and us, with the marshes around him. The island on this side of the river contained six or seven houses, some of which were burnt down ( those nearest the bridge) by the cnemy after the arrival of our troops ; in the others, adjoining the causeway on each side, were stationed a guard every night by Col. Woodford. but withdrawn be- fore day, that they might not be exposed to the fire of the enemy's fort in recrossing the cause- way to our camp, this causeway also being commanded by their cannon.
"The causeway on our side in length was about 160 yards, and on the hither extremity our breastwork was thrown up. From the breastwork ran a street. gradually ascending. about the length of 400 yards, to a church where our main body was encamped. The great trade to Norfolk in shingles, tar, pitch and turpentine, from the country back of this, had occasioned so many houses to be built here, whence the articles were conveyed. to Norfolk by water. But this by the by. Such is the nature of the place as described to me. and such our situation, and that of the enemy. t :
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"On Saturday, the 9th inst .. after reveille beating, two or three great guns and some musketry were discharged by the enemy, which, as it was not an unusual thing. was but little regarded by Col. Woodford. How- ever, soon after he heard a call to the soldiers expedition, he made the proper dispositions to receive them. In the meantime the enemy had crossed the bridge, firing the remaining houses on the island and some large piles of shingles and attacked our guard on the breastwork. Our men returned the fire, and threw them into some confusion ; but they were instantly ral- lied by Capt. Fordyce, and advanced along the causeway with great resolution, keeping up a constant and heavy fire as they approached. Two field-pieces, which had been brought across the bridge and placed on the edge of the island, facing the left of our breastwork, played briskly at the same time upon us. Lieu- tenant Travis, who commanded in the breast- work, ordered his men to reserve their fire un- til the enemy came within fifty yards. and then gave it to them with terrible execution. The brave Fordyce exerted himself to keep up their spirits, reminded them of their ancient glory, and, waving his hat over his head encour- agingly, told them the day weas their own. Thus pressing forward. he fell within fifteen steps of the breastwork. His wounds were many, and his death would have been that of a hero had he met it in a better cause. The progress of the enemy was now at an end. and they retreated over the causeway with pre- cipitation, and were dreadfully galled in their rear. Hitherto, on our side only the guard, consisting of twenty-five, and some others. in the whole not amounting to more than ninety, had been engaged. Only the regulars of the 14th Regiment, in number 120, had advanced upon the causeway ; and about 230 negroes and tories had, after crossing the bridge, continued upon the island. The regulars. after retreat- ing along the causeway, were again rallied by Capt. Leslic, and the two fieldl-pieces continued playing upon our men. It was at this time that
Col. Woodford was advancing down the street to the breastwork with the main body, and against him was now directed the fire of the enemy. Never were cannon better served; yet in the face of them and musketry, which kept up a continual blaze, our men marched on with 1
to stand by their arms, upon which, with all " the utmost intrepidity. Col. Stevens, of the
Culpepper battalion, was sent round to the left to flank the enemy, which was done with so much spirit and activity that a rout im- mediately ensued; the enemy fled into their fort, leaving behind them the two field-pieces. which, however, they took care to spike up with nails.
"Many were killed and wounded in the flight, but Colonel Woodford very prudently restrained his troops from pursuing the enemy too far. From the beginning of the attack till the repulse at the breastwork might be fourteen or fifteen minutes : till the total defeat, upward of half an hour. It is said that some of the enemy preferred death to captivity, from fear of being scalped, which Lord Dunmore cruelly told them would be their fate should they be taken alive.
"Thirty-one killed and wounded fell into our hands, the number borne off was much greater. Through the whole engagement every officer and soldier behaved with the greatest calmness and courage. The conduct of our sentinels I cannot pass over in silence. Before they quitted their stations they fired at least three rounds as the enemy were crossing the bridge, and one of them, posted behind some shingles, kept his grounds until he had fired eight times, and after he had received the fire of a whole platoon made his escape across the causeway to our breastwork. The scene was closed with as much humanity as it was con- ducted with bravery. The work of death being over, every one's attention was directed to the succor of the unhappy sufferers; and it is an uttdoubted fact that. Captain Leslie was so af- fected with the tenderness of our troops to those capable of assistance that he gave signs from the fort of his thankfulness.
"What is not paralleled in history, and will
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scarcely be credible, except to such as acknowl- edge a Providence over human affairs; this victory was gained at the expense of no more than a slight wound in a soldier's hand; and one circumstance which rendered it still more amazing is. that a field-piece raked the whole length of the street and absolutely threw double-headed shot as far as the church and afterward. as our troops approached, can- nonaded them heavily with grape shot."
- An article in the next issue of the Gazette says: "A correspondent, on whose informa- tion we may depend, informs us that our sol- diers showed the greatest humanity and tender- ness to the wounded prisoners. Several of them ran through a hot fire to lift up and bring in some that were bleeding and who they feared would die if not speedily assisted by the surgeon. The prisoners expected to be scalped, and cried out. 'For God's sake, do not murder tts.' One of them, unable to walk, cried out in this manner to one of our men, and was answered by him, 'Put your arms around my neck and I will show you what I intend to do.' Then taking him with his arm over his neck, he walked slowly along, bearing him along with great tenderness to the breastwork. Captain Leslie, seeing two of our soldiers ten- derly removing a wounded regular from the bridge, stepped upon the platform of the fort, and, bowing with great respect, thanked them for their kindness. These are instances of a noble disposition of soul. Men who can act thus must be invincible."
Colonel Woodford, making report of the battle of Great Bridge to Edmund Pendleton. President of the Convention. writes: "Great Bridge, near Norfolk. December 9. 1775. The enemy were reinforced about three o'clock this morning (as they tell me) by every soldier of the Fourteenth Regiment at Norfolk, amounting to two hundred, commanded by Captain Leslie, and this morning, after reveille beating, crossed the bridge by laying down some planks, and made an attack to force our breastwork ( the prisoners say the whole num- ber amounted to five hundred volunteers and
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blacks) with two pieces of cannon, but none marched up but His Majesty's soldiers, who behaved like Englishmen. We have found of their dead Captain Fordyce and twelve pri- 1 vates, and have Lieutenant Batut, who is wounded in the leg. and seventeen private pris- oners, all wounded, They carried their can- non back under cover of the the guns of the fort, and a number of their dead. I should suppose. to speak within compass, their loss must be upward of fifty. Some powder and cartridges were taken. I sent an officer to in- torm them if they would not fire upon our pec- i ple they should collect the dead and wounded : this they agreed to, and there has been no firing since. We are now under arms, expect- ing another attack. There is but one man of ours hurt and he is wounded in the hand. The prisoners inform us that Lord Dunmore has got a reinforcement of Highlanders, which I expect will be up next."
GREAT BRIDGE, DECEMBER roth, 1775.
Sir :--
I must apologize for the hurry in which I wrote you yesterday; since which nothing of moment has happened. but the abandoning of the fort by the enemy. We have taken possession of it this morning. and found therein the - stores mentioned in the enclosed list: to- wit: 7 guns, four of them sorry: I bayonet : 29 spades : 2 shovels; 6 cannon; a few shot; some bedding; a part of a hogshead of rum: two or more barrels. the contents unknown. but supposed to be rum: 2 barrels of bread: about 20 quarters of beef: half a box of candles : 4 or 5 dozen quart bottles : 4 or 5 iron pots : a few axes and old lumber. The spikes. I find cannot be got out of the cannon without drilling. From the vast effusion of blood on the bridge, and in the fort. from the account of sentries, who saw many bodies carried out of the fort to be interred. and other circumstances, I conceive their loss to be inuch greater than I thought it yesterday. and the victory to be complete. I have received no late information from Norfolk and Princess Ann nor yet fixed on a plan for improving this advant- age. I have dispatched scouting parties, and from their intelligence I shall regulate my future operations. En- closed is an inventory of the arnis, etc., faken yester- day, to-wit: 2 silver-mounted fusils with bavonets : one steel do, without bayonet: 24 well fixed muskets. with bayonets: 6 muskets, without bavonets: 28 car- touch boxes and pouches: 3 silver-mounted cartouch boxes, 2 cannon do; 26 bayonet belts: 27 : 2 ; one barrel with powder and cartridges; one silk hand- kerchief, with linen in it; 2 watches; cash ies 6d. : I pair gloves; 4 stocks and buckles; 2 snuff-boxes: 10 knives; barrel with ball and oakum: 12 coats: 12 waist-coats; if pair shoes: 12 pair of gaiters : 1 pair of
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breeches: I shirt ; t pair of stockings; a parcel of old knee buckles; a parcel of old buttons; and a black handkerchief.
The arms I shall retain for the use of the army : the other articles I shall dispose of at vendue, and apply the money arising from the sale in such manner as the Convention shall be pleased to direct.
Lieutenant Batutt having an inclination to inform the King's troops of the humane treatment he met with here. I dispatched Ensign Hoomes, with a flag of truce who returned with the enclosed an: wer from the' Commander of the Fort: viz: "Captain Leslie presents his compliments to Mr. Batut and returns Col. Wood- ford his sincere thank for his kind treatment of prison- ers. He is happy Mr. Batut's wounds are so slight ; but is extremely sorry for the loss of poor. Fordyce."
The unfortunate Captain Fordyce was a Captain of the Grenadiers of the Fourteenth Regiment: most of the soldiers were Grenadiers of that regiment. As the Captain was a gallant and brave officer, I presumed to enter hint with all the military honors due his great merits ; which I hope will meet with the approbation of the honorable convention.
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About two hundred and fifty Carolina men are ar- rived under the Command of Col. Vail. They are com- posed of regulars, minute-men. malitia and volunteers, and have brought with them six cannon. I have re- ceived no certain account of Col. Howe, where he is. what number of force he commands. how armed and how provided, or where He intends to join me. I hall pay due reward to the reinforcements you mention and the establishment of the nosts. I am just informed by Lieutenant Batut. that a servent of Maj. . Marshall's who was in the party with Col. Scott and deserted, in- formed Lord Dunmore that not more than three hun- . dred shirt-men were here: that imprudent man caught at the bait and dispatched Capt. Leslie, with all the regulars who arrived at the Fort about four o'clock in the morning. I have enclosed to the honorable con- vention a general return of the forces under my com- mand ; also a list of sick and wounded. It is my wish to receive orders for what is to be done with the wounded prisoners when able to travel. I recollect nothing more to add at present, than that I am with great respect your most obedient servant.
WILLIAM WOODFORD.
To EDMUND PENDLETON, PRESIDENT OF THE CONVENTION.
An extract from a letter of a midshipman ( American Archives, Vol. 4, Page 452) on board His Majesty's ship "Otter." commanded by Captain Squire, dated January 9. 1776, de- scribes the battle as follows :
"December 9. Our troops, with about 60 town men from Norfolk and a detachment of sailors from the ships, among whom I had the honor to march, set out from Norfolk to at- tack, once more. the Rebels at Great Bridge. who had been lodged there some time and had
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erected a breastwork opposite to cur fort on their side of the river. We arrived at the fort an hour after three in the morning and after refreshing ourselves prepared to attack the Rebels in their intrenchments. Captain Squire, ever ready to assist My Lord in the public cause, had sent his gunners and men to manage two pieces of cannon, who were in the front and ordered to begin the attack. But how can it be supposed that with 200 men we could force a strong entrenchment defended by at least 2,000? Yet this was attempted, and we marched up to their works with the in- trepidity of lions. But alas! we retreated with much fewer brave fellows than we took out. Their fire was so heavy that had we not re- treated as we did we should every one been cut off. Figure to yourself a strong breast- work built across a causeway, on which six men only could advance abreast: a large swamp almost surrounded them, at the back of which were two small breastworks to flank in our attack on their intrenchments. Under these disadvantages it was impossible to suc- ceed : vet our men were so enraged that all the entreaties and scarcely the threats of our officers could prevail on them to retreat. which at last they did ; the cannon were secured with- in the fort. We had sixty killed. wounded and taken prisoners; among whom were the gal- lant Captain Fordyce. of the Grenadiers of the Fourteenth Brigade, Lieutenants Napier and Leslie, and Lieutenant Batut wounded and taken prisoner, men all universally esteemed and for whom all shed tears ; we set out on our return to Norfolk about seven o'clock in the evening, at which place we arrived at twelve. and the soldiers were embarked on board ves- sels prepared for that purpose."
"December 14. The Rebels having now nothing to obstruct their passage, arrived and took possession of Norfolk, and in the evening saluted us with a volley of small arms, which, the next morning. I was sent on shore to their Commander to inform him if another shot was fired at the 'Otter' they must expect the town to be knocked about their ears.'
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After the battle of Great Bridge 250 North Carolina troops arrived. 'under Colonel Vail. and on the 12th 300 more. under Colonel Howe, who, with Colonel Woodford. occu-
1 pied Norfolk on the 14th. Colonel Howe, whose commission had precedence over Colonel Woodford's, now assumed command.
The proceedings of the Virginia Conven- tion at Williamsburg, on Thursday, the 14th day of December, 1775 ( American Archives. Vol. 4, Page Sp) say: "The President laid before the Committee a letter from Colonel Woodford enclosing a petition from the poor inhabitants of the Town of Norfolk request- ing protection. The President also laid before the Convention a letter from Coloniel Howe. of North Carolina, informing him that he had joined Colonel Woodford with the troops under his command and should be happy to afford him his best assistance."
Resolved, that the President be required to write to Col. Howe acknowledging the receipt of his obliging letter and thanking him for his good intentions toward the Colony.
On Friday, December 22 (American Ar- chives, Vol. 4, Page 95), the Convention ten- dered thanks to the North Carolina troops un- der Colonel Howe:
Resolved. unanimously, that the Thanks of this Convention are justly due to the brave officers, gentle- men volunteers, and soldiers of North Carolina, as well as our brethren of that Province in general. for their prompt and generous aid in defense of our com- mon rights against the enemies of America and of the British Constitution ; and that the President be desired to transmit a copy of this resolution to Colonel Howe.
A correspondence between Colonel Howe and the British officers began on the 24th of December. which Colonel Howe transmitted to the convention ( American Archives. Vol. 4. Page 452) : "Yesterday by a flag of truce I received a letter from Captain Bellew, copy of which I have the honor to transmit you, with a copy of these I have written to him. Though Colonel Woodford and myself were sensible, it was .our duty to withhold from him. as much as in our power lay, those sup-
plies he wished to obtain, yet the moderate conduct he has pursued, and the sentiments of humanity by which he seems to be actuated, induced us to delay an answer till to-day and couch it in terms which cannot but show him that occasion, not inclination, had influence upon our conduct. Captain Bellew's letter was brought us by one of liis lientenants. He ex- pressed for himself and every officer on board the reluctance they should feel if, compelled by necessity. they should be obliged by marauding parties to snatch from the indigent farmer of this Colony those provisions they were so will- ing to purchase. I thought proper. sir. to give you this information, and through you, Colonel Woodford and myself beg leave to submit it to the consideration of your honor- able Board, whether we are to show any in- dulgence to those people, and if we are. to what bounds we are to extend it. Major Ruffin and about 180 Minutemen arrived last night : it was a seasonable relief to our soldiers almost worn out with duty this very bad weather. I was honored with your letter yes- terday and we are made happy to find our proceedings are approved of : the order it con- veys and all others which we may receive we shall endeavor to execute with the greatest punctuality."
Another letter from Colonel Howe (Amer- ican Archives. Vol. 4. Page 474) to the presi- dent of the convention under date of the 25th day of December says:
"I am at present, sir. so indispensably en- gaged that I have not time to be so particular as I could wish had I anything of importance to communicate, but except some salutes from the men-of-war, matters remain just as they were when I wrote you last. No effectual steps have been taken in respect to the ex- change of prisoners, for which the enclosed copies of letters between Lord. Dunmore and myself will. I hope, account in such manner as to leave me in the opinion of your -honorable body free from blame."
A letter from Lord Dunmore to Colonel Howe:
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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
Sir :---
SHIP "DUNMORE," DEC. 25th, 1775. .
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