The Virginia Gazette

"The Canadians who had been captains in our Canadian receipt, and whom Gen. Gates writes are known in the army to be worthy of good credit, made their escape from St. John's, and came over to our army from Ticonderoga, and give the following intelligence, viz. That the enemy did not fortify any place we abandoned: that they have 2000 men at 30 aux Noix under Gen. Fraser, 2000 at St. John's under Carleton, and some at Montreal, 250 only being left at Quebec. It was reported, that 4000 English troops, which were to have been a part of that army, had perished at sea, which gave great uneasiness. The fleet brought over timber, &c. for 50 boats, which they attempted to transport by land from the mouth of the Mohawk to St. John's, but could not for want of carriages, and have therefore been destroyed. Carleton, to make amends for this, had employed Canadians to build bateaux at St. John's: but he has rendered himself very odious to those people, by levying contributions on them in general, and confiscating the estates of all those who followed our army, or who absconded. Great numbers of the Germans desert daily, and are anxiously concealed by the inhabitants; 70 Brunswickers disappeared in one day. Their officers are so much afraid of bush-fighting, and ambushes, that they will not head any parties to pursue the runaways. The men have the same fears, which prevents them from deserting in such great numbers as it is supposed they will, when once our fleet shall appear cruising on the lake to receive and protect them. Between the 22d and 24th ult. Carleton and the other generals abandoned all their posts on this side the Sorel, except St. John's, with as great precipitation as our poor sick army had done, carrying with them their artillery and provisions. This was occasioned by the arrival and mysterious manoeuvres of a fleet at Quebec, supposed to be French, who hoisted different colours, and fired at tenders sent from the town to inquire who they were. The enemy left at Isle aux Noix 200 men, to send intelligence of our operations: and it is said they will go down the river, if we return into Canada. For this event, the Canadians are offering up prayers at the shrines of all their saints. Carleton, some time ago, hearing that we were returning with a considerable reinforcement, was so terrified that he would have retired immediately, had not some of his spies come in and informed him of the deplorable situation to which the smallpox had reduced our army. They are now, however, recovering health and spirits. General Gates writes, that he had accounts of the roads being crowded with militia coming to his assistance; 600 from New Hampshire came in while he was writing his letter, being the first. His fleet had sailed from Ticonderoga to Crown Point, consisting of the following vessels, viz. One schooner and a sloop, of 18 four-pounders, 10 swivels, and 50 men: one schooner of 4 four-pounders, 4 two-pounders, 10 swivels, and 35 men; one do. of 2 four-pounders, 6 two-pounders, 8 swivels, and 35 men; two galleys, mounting each 1 twelve and 2 nine-pounders, 8 swivels, and 45 men: two do. of 3 nine-pounders each, 8 swivels, and 45 men; besides two others, that are not quite rigged. Eight more galleys would be ready to join them in a fortnight: when they were to proceed down the lake; and General Arnold, who is said to be a good Colonel, had undertaken the command. We have 200 fine ship carpenters, mostly sent from hence, at work; with whose assistance, I hope, such a fleet will soon be exhibited on this lake as it never yet bore.

The Indians have absolutely refused Carleton in Canada, and Butler at Niagara, to have any thing to do in this quarter; and applaud, in the highest terms, our wisdom and candour for not requiring them to meddle. Some of the most sensible speeches I ever saw of theirs are on this head, not spoken to us, but behind our backs, in the councils of our enemies.

From very good intelligence, the Indians of the middle department will be quiet; that treaty is put off till October."