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Great Bridge 9th Dec. 1775
Sir.
The enemy were reinforced about three o'clock this morning with (as they tell me) every Soldier of the 14th Reg't at Norfolk, amounting to 200 commanded by Capt. Leslie & this morning after Reveille Beating crossed the Bridge by laying down some plank & made an attack to Force our breast work, the prisoners say the whole number amounted to 500 with Volunteers & Blacks, with two pieces of cannon but none marched up but his Majestys Soldiers, who behaved like Englishmen we have found of their Dead Capt. Fordice & 12 privates, & have Lieut Battut wounded in the leg & 17 privates prisoners all wounded. They carried their cannon back under cover of the guns of the Fort, & a number of their Dead. I should suppose (to speak within Compas) their Loss must be upwards of 50. Some powder & cartridges were taken. I sent an Officer to inform them If they would not fire upon our people, they should collect the Dead & wounded, this they agreed
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to, & there has been no Fireing since. We are now under Arms expecting another attack. Please forward Doct'r Browns Chest of Medicines & Baggage down. The Convention will be so good to excuse the incorrectness of this Letter wrote in the greatest Hurry. I am, with great Respect
Sir Your Most Obed's Serv't
Wm Woodford
NB. but one man of ours wounded in the Hand. the prisoners inform Ld Dunmore has got a Reinforcement of Highlanders - they I expect will be up nextthe 2 Mates of the 1st Reg't I shall keep till further orders - hurry down, a reinforcement & more Ammunition on this Lower part of the Country will be [therein?]
