The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a letter from New York, March 13.

"To day an express arrived from the eastward,—to night the post. My advices are, that on the night of the 2d instant (Saturday) we threw three bombs into Boston from Lechmere's Point,—the enemy returned a number.—Two seven inch, 1 ten inch mortar, and the Congress, burst; the latter after firing twice or thrice. Two or 3 bombs thrown in from Roxbury, and two 24 pounders fired,—nothing in return.—Monday 4th, at night, took possession of Dorchester with 2000 men, under General Thomas, and 300 carts; before morning had an astonishing work completed on the top of each of the two greatest heights; some of the carts made 3 trips, others too, without interruption; the night amazingly favourable—three of our men killed—firing on both sides.—The two hills we have taken possession of command the front of Boston and south side of the harbour. At noon (the 5th) the enemy made a weak ineffectual fire of two hours. In the evening they embarked about 2000 men in 5 transports, and sent them down towards the castle; a floating battery was also towed down; before they reached the castle the wind blew up fresh at south, and forced three of the transports ashore on Governor's island, where they lay all night.—The 6th all quiet. In the evening many soldiers were landed from the transports in front of the town. The selectmen of Boston, or some of the principal inhabitants, apprehending Howe was about to embark, desired him not to destroy the town upon his leaving it. He told them he would not if General Washington would not disturb them in their embarkation; they desired leave to go out with a flag to tell him so;—granted—don't hear that he made any promise, and I do not suppose he will, for it is undoubtedly a trick of Howe's, in order to get away his cannon and stores as well as men.—A letter to our Congress, I am informed, intimates that General Washington apprehends the enemy will decamp and steer for this city :—Our works are going on, and if they come hope we will be ready for them."