The Freeman's Journal, Or, New Hampshire Gazette

Extract of a letter from Phillip's Manor, dated Feb. 1, 1777.

"Since our arrival here have been in sight of the enemy every day at Kings-Bridge and fort Independence--At our first coming down we encamp'd about half a mile from the fort in the open field for six days, till there came a very heavy storm of snow, &c. and drove us back to the Manor again: and now have got a good house to live in, but how long we shall stay here is uncertain, for ever since our arrival, we have been marching sometimes to the enemy'and sometimes from them. We have had no proper engagement with them. but several small skirmishes, but have not lost one man out of our Regiment ; Col. Thatchea's has lost several : our Regiment is on this side fort Independence, and two Regiments on the other side : this fort is about half a mile from Kings-Bridge, on York-side.--The Hessians have got a breast-work hove up thro' much difficulty ; at the beginning we beat them off with two field pieces, but the next day they came again, and we were obliged to retreat by a cannonading from Fort Washington : since that we have been down several times, but cannot persuade them to come out to us, altho' their army is superior to ours ; they have got almost all their troops out of York on the lines and in the three forts to prevent our going in ; for in the morning we got down, as we were unexpected, put them in great surprize ; at break of day their guards were all in confusion, some run one way, some another, but could not take any of them prisoners, altho' in their hurry they left their baggage, which was very considerable; their guard houses are now ours----since our departure from Boston, General Washington has been beating them, and has taken a great many prisoners, and a great deal of baggage, and continues so to do --General Putnam has taken 96 waggons with provision which was going to Howe's army, and Howe has sent in a Flag desiring a cessation of arms till April, but General Washington sent him word he should accomplish his design, and then there would be a final one ; and it seems very probable. for the day we were to cross the river he sent orders for us to march down and keep them in motion,whilst he was pursuing them - General Washington has brought his army along with him, and a plenty of provisions and all other stores.

Our company are all in good health and high spirits, altho'we undergo the hardships of lying on the cold ground, sometimes have a house,and sometimes none; but think nothing of hardships' so that we conquer them, and have our LIBERTY."