The Virginia Gazette

WILLIAMSBURG, Oct. 24.

A letter from Trumbull, Esq; Paymaster General of the northern department, to Col. DYER, member of Congress.

DEAR SIR,

ALBANY, October 9, 1777.

THE last two or three days past have produced very important events in this department. On the afternoon of the seventh an action commenced, about three o'clock, between the pickets of the two armies, which, being reinforced on each side, continued till it drew out the whole of Major General Arnold's division on our left, and part of General Lincoln's division. The contest was warm, and continued with obstinacy on both sides until the evening, when our troops gained the advanced lines of the enemy on their right, these lines and works forming an extent of about half a mile. Our people entered, and kept encamping on the ground all night; they found themselves possessed of about three hundred and thirty tents with kettles boiling with corn, nine brass cannon from six to twelve pounders, two hundred prisoners, the dead a greater number, with baggage and plunder of the flying camp. Amongst the prisoners are Sir Francis Carr Clark, aid to General Burgoyne, a Quartermaster General (said to be Carleton) Major Williams of artillery, and several others of distinction. It was expected the action would be renewed in the morning; a cannonade indeed began, but produced nothing material. On the action of the seventh we have to regret that Major General Arnold received a dangerous wound in the leg, a compound fracture, that endangers the limb. The next morning Major General Lincoln was also wounded in near the same place and manner, and it is feared they must both lose a leg each. Besides these misfortunes, our troops suffered but little. They behaved with great bravery and intrepidity, and have a second time triumphed over the valour of veteran troops. The cannonade yesterday proves now to have been kept up by way of cover to their preparations for retreating, which was begun last night about eleven o'clock, having improved the day in loading their baggage waggons, &c. and sending off what they could. General Gates, however, was not deceived by appearances; but, suspecting their designs, despatched yesterday two parties to go round on their rear, and this day two brigades are in pursuit of the flying army. It is said a body of men from the Eastward is already at Fort Edward. I have great hopes their rear will be greatly impeded and harassed, if not totally cut off. They leave behind, it is said, about three hundred sick and wounded in their hospital houses. Our army are on the enemy's late camp.

Tenth of October, in the morning.

Yesterday was a very bad day for pursuit of the flying army being rainy, and very wet. Some articles of value were found yesterday. It is a great misfortune at this time that General Arnold is wounded; his vigour and activity will be much needed in pursuit. Desertions prevail in a great degree from the enemy's camp.