CHAPTER XIV.

THE intermediate situation of Virginia had saved her interior in some measure from the ravages of invasion. The storm of war had hitherto spent its force on the more northern colonies, and was now beginning to burst with all its horrors upon the south, while our populous state was left to throw its aid in whatever quarter it was required. It readily occurred to sir Henry Clinton, that the resistance of the southern states would depend much upon the assistance they should receive from Virginia. To humble the pride, and destroy the resources of this province, therefore became an object worth the attention of the commander in chief. An expedition threatening the overthrow of resistance in this quarter, was accordingly projected, and early in May 1779 the hostile squadron, conducted by sir George Collier, anchored in Hampton Roads. The army con

sisted of about two thousand land forces and five hundred marines; the whole commanded by brigadier-general Matthews, an able and experienced officer.

The defenceless situation of Portsmouth and Norfolk rendered those places an easy conquest. The garrison of Fort Nelson, which consisted of about one hundred and fifty men, under the command of major Matthews, abandoned their post under cover of the night, and retired to the borders of the Dismal Swamp. On the 11th of May the British general took possession of Portsmouth, where he established his headquarters, and from whence he detached troops to Norfolk and Gosport. In these places he destroyed abundance of naval and military stores of much importance to the state.

The army continued but a short time on our shores, though long enough to destroy upwards of a hundred vessels, and a great quantity of public and private property. They burnt the town of Suffolk,* and many private houses

* Gordon's Am. War.-Marshall's Washington.-Lee's Memoirs, &c.

shared the same fate. This destruction of private property, which ought to be held sacred by civilized nations at war, called for the interference of the assembly. A resolve was passed in that body, requiring the governor to remonstrate against this cruel mode of carrying on

war.

The army, embarking on board their ships, returned to New York, carrying with them their prizes and their plunder.

The fall of Charleston, and the success of the British arms in the south, under lord Cornwallis, portended much evil to Virginia. Her reduction was determined on by the commander in chief, and a plan apparently big with success was laid for that purpose.

As soon as Clinton was informed of the defeat of the southern army by lord Cornwallis, he despatched brigadier-general Leslie, with a force of about three thousand men, against our state. The co-operation of this detachment with the army under Cornwallis, who was expected to enter Virginia on the south, appeared fully adequate to the object in view.

Leslie arrived in the Chesapeake bay, in October 1780, and landing at Portsmouth, took possession of such vessels and other property as could be found on the coast. The defeat of major Ferguson, who had been ordered to manœuvre through the northern parts of South Carolina, and was expected to join Cornwallis at Charlotte, caused the latter to alter his plans, and prevented his junction with Leslie.*

Some time elapsed before Leslie could obtain information of the situation of Cornwallis, and the circumstances that occurred to prevent the important junction with that officer. Meanwhile the governor of Virginia was earnestly employed in preparing to oppose the invaders. Thomas Jefferson, successor of Patrick Henry, was then governor of the state, and the assembly, composed of men selected for their wisdom and patriotism, was in session.

At this crisis, general Greene, who had been appointed to succeed Gates in the command of

Lee's Memoirs of the War in the Southern Colonies, Vol. II.

the southern army, arrived in Richmond, on his way to the south. As much reliance had been placed on the supplies to be received from Virginia, Greene was not a little embarrassed to find her in such a weak and exposed situation. After making such arrangements as he deemed necessary, he continued his journey to the south, leaving baron Steuben* to direct the defence of the state. General Gates had removed his head-quarters to Charlotte, and there he surrended into the hands of Greene the command of the southern army.

In the mean time general Leslie, leaving the shores of Virginia, sailed for Charleston, where he found orders requiring him to repair with his army to Camden. On the 19th of December he began his march with about fifteen hundred men, to effect a junction with the army under Cornwallis. This he accomplished without difficulty. On the 11th of January Cornwallis advanced towards North Carolina. Wishing to disperse the force under general Morgan,

*Note V. Appendix.