The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a letter from Bergen, dated October 3. "There has nothing happened since we have been here worth relating, unless the little manoeuvre upon York island may be thought so. The inhabitants between the two armies had petitioned the general for a covering party, while they brought off their effects, upon which 1700 men were ordered on that business. They drew up on Haerlem plain (extensive enough to contain 10,000 men in order of battle) and the enemy soon got in motion. In a little while they were seen marching from New York in large columns, and halted at long shot distance. General Washington reinforced his men, but they kept quiet, and the inhabitants removed their effects without disturbance. The covering party then withdrew, and not a shot was fired on either side. This may show us that the enemy's spirits are not so high since Monday's skirmish as they were wont to be. The truth is, their ships cannot cover them on Haerlem plain, and they do not appear to be very fond of sighting when at a distance from them. The spot gave them an opportunity of calling into use all that discipline they so often boast of; but they relied not on their discipline, for the Americans relied on their courage. Eleven ships this morning came in from sea, 2 transports, 8 store-ships, and one 36 gun frigate. By the greennes of their bottoms, and other things, they appear to have just arrived, and not to be part of those which every now and then go out and return."