The Virginia Gazette

PHILADELPHIA. March 18.

INTELLIGENCE is received from the camp at Cambridge, that a cannonading and bombardment had begun on the night of Saturday the second instant, and continued the two following nights; during which time a vast number of shot and shells were thrown into the town, under the cover of which the General possessed himself of the heights of Dorchester. On the enemy's perceiving this on Thursday morning, they were in the greatest confusion, hurry, and bustle, and embarked their troops in order to attack us before we had made our lodgments; but the violent storm which came on that day, prevented them from receiving, and us from the honour of giving them a good drubbing.

Our troops are now forming a battery on Nook's hill, which commands the south of Boston, and to which their shipping lie much exposed.

General Howe in his great tenderness to preserve the town of Boston from destruction, has, by a flag of truce sent out by the selectmen, asked permission to embark his troops, and sail without molestation. This permission it is possible he may obtain, on condition that he leaves his whole artillery, and military stores behind him. It is supposed that General Howe intends to remove his quarters to the city of New York; and it is hoped that every proper measure will be taken for his reception.