The Freeman's Journal, Or, New Hampshire Gazette

N E W - Y O R K. August 19.

Last Friday two Fire-Ships, commanded by Capts. Fosdike and Thomas (Gentlemen Volunteers of Rank in the Army of the United States) proceeded up the North-River, with intent to give a suitable Warming to those piratical Gentry that have infested it since the 12th of July last. The night was dark and favourable to the Design, and the Enemy did not perceive our Vessels til. they were near aboard of them --Capt. Fosdike grappled the Phoenix, but the Fire not communicating so soon as was expected, she disentangled herself in about 20 Minutes, after sustaining considerable Damage in her Rigging.--Capt. Thomas fell on board one of the Tenders, which was soon consumed; & we are truly sorry to inform the Public that this intrepid Commander is yet missing.--This gallant Enterprise struck so great a Panic upon the Enemy that they thought it prudent to quit their Station; and Yesterday, taking the Advantage of a fresh Wind at S. E. attended with considerable Rain, they run the Gauntlet through a great Number of well directed Shot from our Batteries in and near this City, which undoubtedly must have damaged them much.--Our Gallies played smartly, and followed the Ships a considerable Distance into the Bay. The Enemy's Fire seemed to be mostly directed upon the City as the Tops of the Houses were crowded with Spectators, but very little Damage was done to the Buildings, nor any Lives lost upon the Occasion.

Troops from all quarters have been daily arriving to our assistance since our last. Yesterday afternoon 24 sail of transports, full of hearty troops, arrived here from the Eastward, so that we can with great truth assert, that we have now an army in and about this city, of at least 70,000 men.

Aug. 21. For some days past, the British army on Staten-Island, have been embarking on board the transports; so that we expect their whole force before this city every tide. We hope to give them a reception, worthy the free born sons of America, and may every freeman of America make this his toast, "That New-York is now an asylum for American Liberty."

Yesterday a number of the ministerial fleet left their station at Staten-Island, and went through the Narrows, it is supposed they mean to land part of their troops on Long-Island.