Scope and Contents "I have barely time to give you the distressing news of the loss of Hampton. The Enemy landed it is said Eleven hundred men at N.P. News and came up the Creek with 300 Barges. Our gallant fellows fought bravely 2 1/2 hours about 250 opposed 1100 and forced their way thro: then at the Cross Roads- just before you get to H- The other part opposed the boats. Corbin distinquished himself- is the only officer wounded- his arm splinted by a ball and one thro his leg, he is safe- Pryor fought like a tiger and I am happy to say that my brothers conduct is highly laudable. Our loss opposed [?] about 50- tho it is not known. The Enemy's not known- tho great. 250 under Crutchfield are now at Smilth's half way house. The Regt. is ordered out. Capt. Coleman militia were ready to have marched this night but postponed till the morning by the Col. and Capt. The men are highly and justly exasperated. It is very properly considered as an act of folly and I might add cowardice. It is to be presumed (tho it is doubted) that the Executive will send on some troops to our assistance. I must confess that I have been long been [torn] Opinion that [torn] that [torn] abandoned the idea of defending this place... It is hoped that the town and [torn] not now be laughed at for the stupidity of asking [torn] will again be said that the 'Enemy will not got to H.W. or York. What can they get by going there?' It is the universal wish that the G...[Governor James Barbour] would identify himself with those who are nobly defending their country and who by the folly of the Executive have been sacrificed- Poor fellows they deserved a better fate. They are now without provisions, ammunition, or clothes and no doubt fatigued."