The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a letter dated Springfield, seven miles from Elizabethtown, June 12, 1780.

"On the night of the 6th instant, General Knyphansen (as supposed) with the greatest part of the force at New York, moved to within three quarters of a mile of this place, not however, without opposition and some loss; for though we had only a small continental brigade advanced, they, with the help of the militia that had time to assemble, kept up a constant skirmishing with them, and we have the greatest reason to believe galled them much. What prevented their entering the town of Springfield I know not, unless a small field piece posted there, or the apprehension of the continental force, which, shortly after the alarm, came to the heights above the town. Their numbers from the generality of accounts, do not exceed 3000, and none make them more than 5000. The militia never on any occasion turned out with more spirit.

The enemy have retreated to Elizabethtown point, and remain there in as complete a pound as ever a body of troops were posted in. The army are in high spirits, and the neighbouring states seem roused again to a proper sense of their duty. I hope and believe, with all our misfortunes, that by the help of our good allies, this year will terminate well.

I cannot conclude without mentioning the barbarity of the enemy: They murdered the wife of a Clergyman because he had been active in opposing them, although ten helpless children were by her side; they...
also burnt about fifteen houses wantonly. General Stirling (on their side) had his thigh broke early in the action; the son of Count Dorp was killed, and many officers wounded; the number of men not known; we have taken about thirty, and lost very few; in short, the whole affair has terminated in our favour."