The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

BOSTON, September 20.

The privateer ship Marquis Fayette, Capt. Meredith, arrived at Newport from a cruise last Tuesday week. On the 5th instant, off Chesapeake Bay, they saw a very severe engagement between two fleets, which lasted from two o'clock in the afternoon till night, but being at so great a distance they cannot tell the event of the battle. This action was doubtless between the French fleet under Count de Grasse, lately arrived at Virginia, and the British fleet of about 18 sail of the line (according to Rivington's account) under Admiral Graves, from New-York.

We have reports from several quarters that the British fleet were defeated in the late engagement off the Chesapeake, and had returned to New-York, much shattered, with the loss of Admiral Graves's ship, of 98 guns, and another of 74.

Yesterday came to town two gentlemen from Providence, who inform, That a flag of truce had arrived at New London from New-York, greatly damaged, and that two capital ships were missing: That 1500 wounded men were landed from the fleet and sent to the hospital, soon after their arrival.

A gentleman from Philadelphia informs, That General Washington arrived in that city the first instant, with 2000 American and 5000 French troops, where they halted two days and then proceeded to the head of Elk-River, where they embarked the 9th inst. to go to Virginia, in pursuit of Cornwallis & his army.

Another gentleman arrived in town yesterday from Philadelphia, which he left since the post; by him we learn, That Cornwallis had left York-Town, in Virginia, and retreated 30 miles into the country: That the Marquis La Fayette, with part of the American army, was on the right wing, and Gen. Wayne on the left, and the French troops in front of the British army. We hope soon to announce to our readers that his Lordship, with his army, is completely Burgoyned.

Last Monday arrived here a cartel from New-York, which they left on Tuesday week and has brought about 200 prisoners, American and French. Accounts brought by the cartel are, That there had been a severe engagement between the French and British fleets off Virginia, and it was said that the London and another British ship of the line, were taken by the French.

A vessel arrived here last Monday, in 18 days from Martinico, by whom we learn, That a fleet of about 90 sail of merchant ships, lately arrived there from France, under convoy of two frigates, who on their passage captured a 44 gun British man of war, and 2 sloops, and carried them safe into Martinico.

A letter from a gentleman at West-Point, dated Sept. 11, says, "I am happy to acquaint you, that the Count de Grasse has actually arrived in the Chesapeake, with 28 sail of the line, besides frigates, transports, &c. having a body of land forces on board, I can't say the number: the fleet from Newport have formed a junction with Count de Grasse, which makes them 35 sail of the line, frigates, &c. The day after he arrived he landed 3000 men, and formed a junction with Marquis La Fayette, who had 2000 men; the Marquis was between Cornwallis and Charlestown, and so posted as effectually to prevent his escape that way. Three ships of the line and a number of frigates went up James-River, and destroyed the enemy's shipping there. - The French fleet line the coast from the Head of Elk to James-River, so that my Lord Cornwallis is completely trapped. The best way for him to escape, is to disencumber himself of every kind of baggage, artillery, &c. and form a flying army, and endeavor to get to New-York by the way of Maryland, Pennsylvania, &c. If he can effect this, he will justly merit applause, and America deserves perpetual slavery. His Excellency the Commander in Chief took about 8000 men, including the French, from this department, and ere this must have arrived and taken command of the combined Southern force, which at this time is as respectable as ever was in America."