The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

BALTIMORE, August 14.

Extract of a letter from Hampton, Virginia, August 14.

I make no doubt but you have been fully informed of Lord Cornwallis's movements about Virginia. When he left Williamsburg he crossed James river with his army, to Cobham, and proceeded to Suffolk, and after staying a few days there went to Portsmouth, doing very little injury, except what is common when an army is marching through a provision country. After staying about a fortnight at Portsmouth, his Lordship embarked about 3000 troops, with some horse, and proceeded to York-Town and Gloucester, where they remain, doing very little injury to the inhabitants, except taking provisions, for which they promise payment. Yesterday morning 750 foot and cavalry landed at Newport-News. I was there last evening, since then I have not heard from them. But what we have been able to learn in general is, that the enemy are all moving from Portsmouth, it being a sickly place, intending to continue at Gloucester and York as long as they can; but I am certain they will not be able to hold it long, though they have many great advantages over us. Our negroes flock fast to them, and save the soldiery of the labourers work. Many persons in Virginia, with large fortunes, are totally ruined. The inhabitants in our county have not, as yet, suffered much (only in the loss of some negroes) but I fear the time of our distresses is drawing near; but we must rely on Providence, who has protected us so far. By the last accounts of the Marquis, he was at Bird's last Sunday, and was to be in Williamsburg on Tuesday evening. He has got a good army, consisting of 8000 effective men, and I hope will be able to drive the enemy from York. I cannot learn whether they have begun to entrench or not; if they have not, the Marquis will be able to attack them to advantage.

The recent movements of Earl Cornwallis, giving reason to apprehend that he meant to visit this State, and probably this town, the militia of this county, and those adjacent, assembled with the greatest cheerfulness, spirit and alacrity; and we are assured by good authority, that within two days after the late alarm, near 2800 effective men, of this county only, appeared in arms, in town, and were reviewed by General Buchannan, our County Lieutenant. They have since been very honorably dismissed, in consequence of advice of the enemy (under the immediate command of Earl Cornwallis) having landed at York-Town and Gloucester, in Virginia.

A letter from Hampton says, "That the enemy have entirely evacuated Portsmouth, and that Col. Parker (with near 700 troops) must be now in possession of it."