Innumerable instances of their zeal in the common cause of their country were given in every state in the union.] Having made these preparations for the campaign, he marched with the utmost celerity to the defence of Virginia.

That state was in great need of assistance.

The enemy had penetrated deep into its bosom, and was committing those excesses on its inhabitants to which a country unable to repel invasion must always be exposed.
General Philips, on his arrival, took command of all the British troops in Virginia; and, after completing the fortification of Portsmouth, commenced offensive operations.
[Sidenote: April 24.] About two thousand five hundred men were embarked on board some small vessels, and landed at various places in the neighbourhood of Williamsburg.

Different detachments spread themselves over the lower part of that neck of land which is made by York and James Rivers; and, after destroying, without opposition, a ship yard belonging to the state, with some armed vessels and public stores, re-embarked and proceeded to City Point, where they landed in the afternoon of the 24th.

The next day they marched against Petersburg, at which place, immense quantities of tobacco and other stores were deposited.
Baron Steuben was not in a situation to check their progress.