To Thomas Jefferson from Nathaniel Burwell, 2 January 1781
From Nathaniel Burwell
Burwell’s Ferry Tuesday 2d: Jany
Ten o’Clock a:m
Sir
The Enemy’s Fleet have just now come to off this Place; they consist of 23 Sail, including two Men of war; a number of Flatbottom’d Boats are a-Stern of the Ships full of men. We have near 200 men under the Command of Colo: Innis and myself a number very insufficient for the present Purpose: however nothing shall be wanting as far as we’re able to oppose the Enemy if they attempt to land. A Small Party of Foot and Horse are now engag’d with a Boat detachd from the Fleet.
I am Sir your humble Servt.,
Nath Burwell C.L: J.C.
RC (NHi); endorsed.
Burwell was lieutenant of James City co. The presence of his letter in the Steuben Papers indicates that TJ may have forwarded it in his letter to Steuben of 2 Jan.