The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a letter from General Arnold to General Mifflin, in Philadelphia, dated Coryell's ferry, 11 o'clock at night, June 15, 1777.

Dear General,

"I have received no intelligence from General Washington since 4 o'clock last evening, at which time the enemy were encamped at Somerset courthouse, supposed to be 8000 in number, under the command of Generals Howe and Cornwallis; this is doubtless their main body.

Their first design seems to have been to cut off General Sullivan's retreat, and possess themselves of this place; finding that General Sullivan had frustrated their intentions by a forced march, they appear to have given over their first design, and now wish to draw General Washington from his strong hold, which if they can effect, probably a body from Brunswick will take possession of it.

General Washington will doubtless disappoint them, as he remains quiet in his encampment.

The militia turn out in great numbers in the Jerseys. General Sullivan has gone to Flemingtown, 12 miles from this; the troops who arrive here are immediately sent off after him. I am very fearful the enemy will retreat to Brunswick before you arrive with your reinforcements, and oblige us to attack them at disadvantage, for fight them we must, when all our reinforcements are in, we cannot avoid it with honour. Our men are in high spirits, and in four days we shall have upwards of 20,000 men.

General Putnam has 8000 with him; General Washington has wrote three days since for 4000 to be sent him immediately.

I expect every minute to hear from our army and the enemy.

Every intelligence of consequence shall be forwarded to you directly."