Letter from Samuel Purviance to the President of Congress

v4:578

Baltimore, January 5, 1776.

SIR: Enclosed I send you the deposition of a certain Captain John Horn, of Providence, in Rhode-Island, who arrived here this day . By said deposition it appears that there is the greatest reason to believe the ships of war hate fired upon and destroyed the town of Norfolk, in Virginia. I thought it a matter of so much importance that the Congress should have the earliest advice of this important transaction, that I have despatched the bearer express therewith. Mr˙ Wall, of Providence, a gentleman of character, owner of Captain Horn, who is now here, assures me I may depend on the truth of his deposition.

I am, with the greatest respect, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
SAMUEL PURVIANCE, JUN.

To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq.

P˙ S. This moment a young man is arrived from Annapolis, who informs me there was a boat arrived there from Hampton, who brings the same advice of the ships being left firing against the town of Norfolk.