The Virginia Gazette

B O S T O N, July 26.

By the Advices of a Courier from Albany, we are informed, that the Provincial Army, commanded by General Winslow, decamped from Half-Moon the 15th Instant, and had marched to Fort Hardy by the 18th, the great Number of Waggons, Carts, &c. which carried the Artillery, Provisions, &c. obliging them to make easy Marches. The Army is to encamp for a few Days between the Forts Edward and William Henry, to favor the Conveyance of the Provisions, &c. to the Lake; When this is effect'd, they will proceed immediately upon Action; 2000 regular Troops are to follow them, and take Possession of the Forts and Passes our People are to leave. A Communication is to be kept open between them, that the Provincials may receive their Assistance, if necessary. Our Army now consists of upwards of 7000 effective Men, exclusive of the Regulars; a perfect Harmony at present prevails and, we doubt not, the wise and prudent Behaviour of the British Officers will gain the Affections of the Americans, and greatly promote the common Cause: the present Plan of Operations is generally approved, with our united Strength, to act on the Side of Crown Point. If that Fort and pass of Ticonderoga is gained, a Passage is opened to the Heart of Canada. The Conduct of the Enemy last Year, sufficiently convinces us of the Importance of this Pass: Frontenac, Du Quesne, and the main Body of Regulars, Canadians and Indians, were turned this Way; if we succeed, the Communication with the great Lakes may be cut off. Du Quesne, Niagara and Frontenac, fall of Course, and those Waters may then be effectually secured to us, and the Indian Trade which now goes through them. Our Prospect is favourable the Enemy not so numerous as expected, and many of their Indians carried off by the Small Pox last Year but two Battalions of Regulars yet arrived the Intelligence to be gained by the brave Captain Rogers to be depended upon. An open War will now allow us full Scope but favourable as the present Appearances are, the Scene may soon be changed and nothing can insure us success but that Divine Aid, which we have been in a public and solemn Manner imploring.