The New Hampshire Gazette

NEW-YORK, July 30.

The following Letter was wrote by an Officer on his Way from Niagara to Oswego, the 16th of July, 1759.

Before this Time, I expected to have congratulated you on the Reduction of Niagara, but the Garrison and Fort are much stronger than we expected. Without the Enemy having the least Notice of our Approach, we landed the 6th, within three Miles of the Fort. The Indians and Light Infantry immediately march'd forward, and took six Prisoners, but had one Mohawk kill'd. By the Prisoners we learnt that the Garrison consisted of 600 Men, and 200 that have got in since, make 800. A Schooner and a Sloop were in the Harbour; the former mounts 10 Carriage Guns, and has kept an incessant Fire on our Battoes, but as they are in a good Harbour, as yet the Enemy has done them little or no Damage. Our Trenches are carried within 250 yards of the Fort, where we expect our Batteries were opened as yesterday, to mount two 18 Pounders, two Brass Twelves, 4 Sixes, and 5 Royal Howitzers of 8 Inches. For three Days past we have play'd upon them with 8 Pieces of Cannon, and have set several of their Buildings on Fire. We expect to be Masters of the Fort in a Week, unless it is reinforced.

Niagara, from our Trenches, appears to be very strong, but is not yet completed. In the Fort are Several very good Buildings. The Governor's House is built of Stone, at least 45 Feet Front, three Story high, has Sash Windows, and appears to be compleatly finished. The Enemy have already fired near 600 Cannon Ball, besides Thousands of Small Arms, but as yet have only killed 3 Men, and wounded about 20; among the latter Capt. Williams, our Head Engineer, dangerously, and Lieuts. Allyn and Pennystone slightly.

We now have 900 Indians with us, and more daily coming in.