The Virginia Gazette

Jan. 25. A letter from an officer in the army at Bengal, dated Allahabad, February 1, confirms the accounts of the late success of the English forces in the East Indies, with the following further particulars, viz. That Sir Robert Fletcher took the command of the army on the 6th of January, at which time it was in camp, with two great armies in front, one under Sumroo, the other under Shuja al Dowla, the most crafty and able General among the Princes of Indostan; who, notwithstanding his superiority of numbers, would not attack the English, but endeavoured to reduce them by cutting off their forage, winning their allies over to his interest, &c. On the 14th Sir Robert formed the design of attacking them, and began to march that night, intending to have surprised the enemy; but they having notice of the design, prevented it. However, after three days preparations, the English encamped again on the 18th, and marched directly toward Shuja al Dowla, who fled in the greatest consternation. They pursued him for a considerable time; at length Shuja al Dowla made a halt, and drew up in order of battle; when Sir Robert Fletcher immediately formed his little army, and advanced to the enemy, who, by the great courage and alacrity of this handful of men, were put to flight in the greatest confusion, and left three pieces of cannon behind them. Shuja al Dowla got into Lucknow. Sir Robert's troops took the city and fort of Allahabad, and soon after he detached Major Stibbart with one half of the army to besiege Chinahat; while he himself, with the other division, proceeded directly to Allahabad, which though strong, and defended by 150 pieces of cannon, with a garrison of 2000 foot and 200 horse, he soon got possession of. In the mean time Chinahat surrendered at discretion to Major Stibbart, on the news of Allahabad being taken; so that the English are now in possession of an entire province, one of the most fruitful in India, and of a capital city, which will conduce greatly to the prosperity of the Company's affairs.