The Virginia Gazette

BOSTON, December 5.

By a person from the camp, we are informed, that a Gentleman of undoubted veracity, who was a prisoner, and enlarged by General Howe, assures us that the enemy lost before the lines at fort Washington 8700 men killed on the field, and 96 waggon load of wounded, the most mortally.

That our people behaved with the greatest intrepidity and resolution. That our loss was about 200 killed and wounded.

This account may be depended on, as i came from divers of the British officers, with whom the Gentleman was intimately acquainted.

We can further assure the public, that the attack did not commence at the lines at Harlem, as has been reported, that post being at least six miles distant from fort Washington, but at the out lines, north of the fort, distant about a quarter of a mile.

That the Hessians made the attack, and marched within point blank pistol shot of the lines, where they were kept at least two hours, and were, by the intrepidity and well placed fire of our people, cut down in whole ranks.

The brave Americans kept their post until a heavy column of British troops appeared in their rear; the lines there being entirely open, obliged them to retreat and endeavour to gain the fort, but the British troops being nearer the fort, cut off and obliged a considerable part to surrender prisoners.

The fort was immediately summoned, but the commanding officer first pled for a term of 5 days; that being refused, pled for the honours of war, which was also denied, and the garrison informed, that unless they surrendered at discretion, the fort would be immediately invested, and they must abide by the consequence; a council of war was immediately held, who were of opinion that as they had not any water nor could get any, the place from which the garrison had been supplied with that article being in possession of the enemy, and that the fort was not capable of defence, agreed to surrender it and themselves at discretion.

The commanding officer of that fort is a Gentleman of great courage, and would have defended it as long as a single soldier remained to support, and it been capable of defence. The highest honours are due to him, his gallant officers, and the brave soldiers under his command.