WILLIAMSBURG, May 12, 1779. SIR,--I addressed you yesterday upon a subject of the greatest consequence. The last night brought me the fatal account of Portsmouth being in possession of the enemy. Their force was too great to be resisted, and therefore the fort was evacuated after destroying one capital ship belonging to the State and one or two private ones loaded with tobacco. Goods and merchandise, however, of very great value fall into the enemy's hands. If Congress could by solicitations procure a fleet superior to the enemy's force to enter Chesapeake at this critical period, the prospect of gain and advantage would be great indeed. I have the honor to be, with the greatest regard, Sir, Your most humble and obedient servant, P. HENRY.[299] To meet this dreadful invasion, the governor attempted to arouse and direct vigorous measures, in part by a proclamation, on the 14th of May, announcing to the people of Virginia the facts of the case, "and requiring the county lieutenants and other military officers in the Commonwealth, and especially those on the navigable waters, to hold their respective militias in readiness to oppose the attempts of the enemy wherever they might be made."[300] On the 21st of the month, in a letter to the president of Congress, he reported the havoc then wrought by the enemy:-- WILLIAMSBURG, May 21, 1779. SIR,--Being in the greatest haste to dispatch your express, I have not time to give you any very particular information concerning the present invasion. Let it suffice therefore to inform Congress that the number of the enemy's ships are nearly the same as was mentioned in my former letter; with regard to the number of the troops which landed and took Portsmouth, and afterwards proceeded and burnt, plundered, and destroyed Suffolk, committing various barbarities, etc., we are still ignorant, as the accounts from the deserters differ widely; perhaps, however, it may not exceed 2000 or 2500 men. I trust that a sufficient number of troops are embodied and stationed in certain proportions at this place, York, Hampton, and on the south side of James River.... When any further particulars come to my knowledge they shall be communicated to Congress without delay. I have the honor to be, Sir, your humble servant, P. HENRY. P. S. I am pretty certain that the land forces are commanded by Gen'l Matthews and the fleet by Sir George Collier.[301]