The Virginia Gazette

Dec. 29. The following is a more particular account of the affair between the Corsicans and French than any yet published.

Balagna, Nov. 28.

"When we shook off the yoke of the Genoese the place called Isola Rossa had but one tower, on the side opposite to the sea; wherein, from time to time, according to different circumstances, our provisions and ammunition were closed up. After the fortifying of that place was attempted bulwarks of earth were constructed, which put it in some state of defence. On the side of the sea redoubts were erected, in which the rules of military architecture were observed; behind those redoubts that defended the entrance of the place, which indeed deserves only the name of a village, are two other principal redoubts, both on an elevated ground, at about a musket shot distance from the others, and which form the figure of two islands; between these islands is a strait ditch with a drawbridge, by which means the redoubts communicate one with another; the first advances a little towards the land, and stretches on both sides along the sea, but the other projects further into it; it was on this redoubt that the French made their last but unlucky attack. On the 17th of this month they arrived with a squadron of thirteen ships, men of war and transports, before the village, and approached the two small islands in three divisions; the first was to direct the whole attack above the tower, whilst the second was to take possession of the small bridge of communication; the third had orders to come forwards, and to take a post between the two islands and the village. Although the French met with great difficulties in the execution of their enterprise, nevertheless they seemed to be strongly determined to penetrate further. They got as far as the village, and the redoubt adjacent to the sea; they there made a brisk attack, but our men, animated with an intrepid courage, gave them such a smart and continual fire that after a bloody engagement, which lasted two hours, our troops, assisted by the inhabitants of the village, forced the enemy to retire, and return on board their vessels. They had in their retreat many soldiers killed and drowned. Their loss is reputed to be 600 men, either killed or wounded. Among the troops which had embarked on that expedition the Royal Italian regiment has suffered most. The number of the grenadiers of the Old Marine is considerably diminished, and the regiment of Tourneils is almost entirely destroyed. It is said that, in order to make a diversion, the fusiliers of those two regiments were, conjointly with the garrison of Calvi, to undertake an expedition against Lummia; but, as no particulars are come from thence, it is much doubted whether such an expedition has taken place. It is more certain that two new battalions of French troops are arrived at Calvi. General Paoli has so well provided for Isola Rossa that no surprise is henceforth to be feared. Many brave officers, who at their own expense recruit men for the defence of the common cause, come every day to offer their services to the General, who is in no want of money. A great many English Lords, who take a great interest in our welfare, are continually giving us fresh proofs of their munificence. Every now and then some of them repair to our chief; and Lord Pembroke, who is much attached to him, is now in this island."