* Portsmouth is a considerable town on the west side of the Elizabeth River, opposite Norfolk. It lies upon lower ground than the latter. It was established as a town in 1752, on lands owned by William Crawford, in whose honor one of its finest streets was named. The Gosport navy-yard is within half a mile of the center of Portsmouth, and around it a little village has grown up.
** Governor Jefferson was eager to capture Arnold, and offered five thousand guineas to any of the men of General Muhlenberg's Western corps who would accomplish it.—See Jefferson's Letter to Muhlenberg, 1781.
Departure from Norfolk.—Misfortunes of an Hostler.—Forts Nelson and Norfolk.—Craney Island.
CHAPTER XXI.
"With evil omens from the harbor sails
The ill-fated bark that worthless Arnold bears—
God of the southern winds call up the gales
And whistle in rude fury round his ears!