The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a letter from an officer on board the Alfred, off the coast of Cape Breton, to a gentleman of distinction in the state of Rhode Island, dated Nov. 13.

"We have met with contrary winds and stormy weather for this week past, ever since we passed Halifax. We have, however, taken the brigantine Active, from Liverpool, on a private account, for Halifax, a prize worth 6000l. sterling prime cost; but we have besides been remarkably successful in taking the ship Militia, a transport from London for Quebec laden entirely with clothing, the last to be sent out this fall; and as all that hath formerly been sent to Canada are taken, this last blow will make Burgoyne shake a cloth in the wind, and check his progress on the lakes. This transport sails very fast; she was lately the Thunder bomb, and is now rebuilt, mounted with guns, and made some little defence. As we think her of too much importance to be lost sight of, we propose to man her well, and keep her with us till our return, which we hope will be very soon. We will sink the Militia, rather than suffer her to fall again into their hands. We have taken in her between 60 and 70 prisoners, several of whom are officers, and people of condition."