Letter, from Lund Washington, 1776 January 31

Exchange of Adams and Matthews land still not settled--much alarm in Alexandria, expecting an attack from 5 large ships reported to be off Cone [mouth of Potomac]--river now blocked with ice but women and children evacuating and moving goods--they will fight to defend town--he thinks the ships more apt to be oyster boats--packing Washington's china and glass into barrels and then would be able to move things at short notice to Mrs. Barnes and to Morris' barn--rum and wine to be moved too--everyone says they will come to help defend the Washington property--thinks 100 men could defend it against 1,000--Wm. Stevens paid for going out to [Washington's] Ohio lands--Cleveland--packing bacon--cannot sell flour--"I wish you had said how large you woud have the negro houses you speak of in your letter, or whether you woud have them built with or without sheds."--one piece of woolen cloth came from weavers--nine wheels at work spinning--John Broad cannot live--tell Mr. [John Parke] Custis cannot deliver letters to Mount Airy because of ice--Mrs. Chichester will stay in Fauquier Co., feels it unsafe in Alexandria--will send his furniture to another county if Washington thinks best, however doesn't believe there will be an attack on Alexandria since Lord Dunmore's troops are too trifling.