He arrived there at 1 o'clock in the night.
January 5. Early in the morning, he carried his family across the river
there, and sending them to Fine Creek (eight miles higher up) went
himself to Britton's on the south side of the river, (opposite to
Westham). Finding the arms, &c. in a heap near the shore, and exposed
to be destroyed by cannon from the north bank, he had them removed under
cover of a point of land near by. He proceeded to Manchester (opposite
to Richmond). The enemy had arrived at Richmond at 1 P. M. Having found
that nearly the whole arms had been got there from Richmond, he set out
for Chetwood's to meet with Baron Steuben, who had appointed that
place as a rendezvous and head-quarters; but not finding him there,
and understanding he would be at Colonel Fleming's (six miles above
Britton's), he proceeded thither. The enemy had now a detachment
at Westham, and sent a deputation from the city of Richmond to the
Governor, at Colonel Fleming's, to propose terms for ransoming the
safety of the city, which terms he rejected.
January 6. The Governor returned to Britton's, had measures taken more
effectually to secure the books and papers there. The enemy, having
burnt some houses and stores, left Richmond after twenty-four hours'
stay there, and encamped at Four Mile Creek (eight or ten miles below);
and the Governor went to look to his family at Fine Creek.
January 7.
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