The Newport Gazette

Huntington Bay, 11 o'clock. July 10 1779.

About 5 P.M. off a mile and an half westward of the Fort at Fairfield, our division consisting of jagers, flank companies of guards, Fanning's corps, and regiment of Landgrave, with General Tryon, moved up in columns to gain their right of the town, were cannonaded from the fort hill above it, but without suffering any loss; the advanced corps drew up a little short of the town where they proposed remaining, but the enemy bringing a 6 pounder on their fort to defend him, they were obliged to move forwards and drive the enemy from the lower heights in front of the town which they occupied almost immediately. This they effected with a little loss and difficulty; John had very prudently removing himself to the upper heights at a very considerable distance, where he amused himself with firing long shot till about 8 o'clock, when upon the approach of General Garth with another division he thought proper to retire himself having a fair chance of being cut off by the forces under him. A large house was touched, and the General had taken some pains he was as before to circulate their Address and Proclamations; and New Haven, though so fine a town, and of so much use in his rebellious enterprises was spared, in hopes these deluded people would at last be made sensible that loyalty, whilst it could be moved without prejudice to ours. Selves, was the wish of Britain's whole and British commanders; New Haven, except one or two of the best houses, and one or two small vessels was set on fire. Uninfluenced by the gentle treatments their hearts seemed hardened like the heart of Pharaoh's; Fairfield, till six this evening remained on fire, when a messenger came to the advanced troops to inquire a flag of truce as near the town; so at an imagining the dread of his and inspired in, and a fellow very bold, and advancing near got a behind some houses in rear of the town, and lying flat he was then in security. Throwing his shot from the thicket above him their corps faced about, one Nathan from his friendly fort and then took to the few alone which had emboldened and afforded cover to the enemies; these houses were in front of the town; Gen. Tryon then sent to them by the direction of the place seeing, if they would return to their allegiance, the town should be spared, and those who would not should remain unmolested; his generosity inhuman did not think fit to comply with, but continued his own sow all night, the consequence of which was, in the morning the troops set it on fire, and hay roof be burned, leaving their conduct in these two instances to inspire great perfections in their enemies.

A SPECTATOR.