The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a letter from New York, May 1.

"This morning a vessel arrived from Boston, by which we learn that the loss on the side of the King's troops is 677 killed and missing; Lieutenant Knight, of the 4th, and Lieutenant Hull, of the 43d regiments, are among the slain; 120 wounded, 12 of which in danger, and 5 or 6 officers slightly. The loss of the provincials said to be considerable; they are now intrenched before Boston, to the amount of 12 or 15,000; all the inhabitants in Boston are disarmed. The Otter sloop of war is arrived there; it is said she brings the act of Parliament for restraining the trade of all the colonies, except Nantucket, Nova Scotia, St. Lawrence, New York, North Carolina, and Georgia.

Last evening a detachment of the Connecticut troops marched into town, and are to be followed by several more."

On Saturday last we had a meeting in this city of the Military Associators, when it was determined that each ward should be formed into one or more companies, the officers to be chosen in the respective wards. Two troops of light horse are now raising; two companies of expert riflemen, and two companies of artillery-men are forming. We have six pieces of brass artillery, and several light iron ones. Our provincials' arms, powder, &c. are all secured. Three provincial magazines are forming. In short, Mr. R. S. has established his empire in this populous city; and it is not doubted but we shall have, in a few weeks from this date, 4000 men, well equipped, for our own defence, or for the assistance of our neighbours.

Sunday last Captain Anthony arrived here in a short passage from Rhode Island, by whom we learn that General Gage had dispatched a frigate to England a few hours after the defeat of his troops. That the British officers and soldiers have done ample justice to the bravery and conduct of the Massachusetts militia; they say, that no troops ever behaved with more resolution. A soldier who had been in the action, being congratulated by a fellow soldier on his safe return to Boston, declared, "that the militia had fought like bears, and that he would as soon attempt to storm hell as to fight against them a second time."

We are likewise farther informed, that the two brigades, consisting of 1800 men, commanded by Earl Percy, were attacked and routed by only 500 of the militia.

By a Gentleman who left Boston in the evening of the 19th ult. (the day of engagement) we learn, that the first stand made by the country was with only 200 men at Concord bridge, which the soldiers were endeavouring to pull up. The soldiers gave the first fire, and killed 3 or 4. It was returned with vigour by the country, and the regulars began soon to retire. The country people immediately lined the roads, which are secured with stone walls, and their numbers hourly increasing, they annoyed the regulars exceedingly, who halted but two or three times, and then in open plains for a few minutes.

A considerable body of the provincials had formed an ambuscade, near Cambridge, for the troops in their return; but the bridge having been destroyed by the first brigade in their march out, the troops took their route through Charlestown, and by that means avoided a total overthrow.

The number of the regulars, when the two brigades joined, is said to have been at least 1800. It does not appear that they were attacked by more than 600 provincials, till they got near to Charlestown, when a No. 15.
very strong reinforcement from the inhabitants of Marblehead and Salem fell in with them, and gave them two severe fires; this quickened their pace to Bunker's Hill, where they took refuge, formed in order, and remained until reinforced by the third brigade sent over from Boston to secure their retreat, which was effected without farther loss.