The Virginia Gazette

BALTIMORE, December 25.

Extract of a letter from PHILADELPHIA, dated December 21, 1776.

The troops under Howe and Cornwallis have left Trenton, and are removing towards New York. General Lee's division of troops, now commanded by General Sullivan, consisting of about 5000, have crossed the Delaware at Easton, and are marching to join General Washington, near Coryell's ferry, in Bucks county. More troops are on their way to join the Commander in Chief, whose army will, in a short time, be full 18,000.

A fleet and army from New York have arrived at Newport. All New England is in motion; in consequence of this 10,000 men are now in arms at or near Providence, for the purpose of defending the State of Rhode Island.

A letter just received from Philadelphia mentions that Howe's army has actually left Trenton and had returned to Princeton and Brunswick. That General Washington, having been reinforced by about 4500 New Englandmen, headed by General Sullivan, and several bodies of Pennsylvania and Jersey militia, was preparing to recross the Delaware with 10,000 men, to protect the remnant of virtue that may be left in the Jersey State, from the further ravages of the enemy.

That the loss of General Lee, who was, through the perfidy of a Tory, made prisoner by about 70 of the enemy's cavalry, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Harcourt, so far from dispiritng the American army, great as their misfortune is considered, has not only exasperated the soldiery, but appears to have excited a spirit of enterprise amongst them, which gives fresh spirits to the friends of freedom who do not despair of having their unfortunate General restored to the bosom of a sympathising grateful country.

Major General Gates, and Brigadier Generals St. Clair and Maxwell, arrived a few days ago at General Washington's head quarters, from Ticonderoga.

Col. Ford, of Morris county, in New Jersey, who has several hundred men under his command, has harassed the enemy very much, by surprising their guards, and taking their waggons, horses, &c.

Captain Ephraim Anderson, of New Jersey, has gained great honour in several enterprizes against the enemy near Trenton.

Extract of a letter from Philadelphia, December 23.

Col. Samuel Griffin has entered New Jersey, at the head of 1000 men, and is pursuing his march towards some of the enemy's out posts.

A number of the Boston Tories have lately died, unpitied and unlamened, at Halifax in Nova Scotia. The famous General Brattle is among the number.