The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a letter from Mount Prospect, June 22.

Here we have been some hours viewing the retreat of the enemy.
They have left Brunswick, and all the road from thence to Amboy is
covered with smoke, which we have the best reason to believe are the
houses they have set fire to as they go. General Greene was below the
landing near Brunswick, on this side the river. Two thousand of the
enemy within half a mile. General Varnum advancing along the Raritan,
and General Sullivan pushing dire to Brunswick. General Maxwell
is on our left, towards Woodbridge, to intercept them on their
way. We can, from this noble situation, trace many of their routes.
Anxious for the event, and eagerly watching for return of messengers,
I defer adding more than that every thing appears favourable to us,
and I dare say, they have not committed such horrid waste on the inhabitants,
without paying severely for it, as they have but one way open
to retire.

Extract of a letter from General WASHINGTON to Congress, dated camp
at Middlebrook, June 28, 1777.

SIR,

On Thursday morning General Howe advanced with his whole army,
in several columns, from Amboy as far as Westfield. We are certainly
informed, that the troops sent to Staten Island returned the preceding
evening, and it is said with an augmentation of marines; so that
his design, in this sudden movement, was either to bring on a general engagement
upon disadvantageous terms, considering matters in any point of
view, or to cut off our light parties, and Lord Stirling's division, which
was sent down to support them, or to possess himself of the heights and
passes in the mountains on our left. The two last seemed to be the first
objects of his attention, as his march was rapid against these parties,
and indicated a strong disposition to gain those passes. In this situation
of affairs, it was thought absolutely necessary that we should move our
force from the low grounds to occupy the heights before them, which
was effected. As they advanced they fell in with some of our light parties,
and part of Lord Stirling's division, with which they had some
pretty smart skirmishing, with but very little loss, I believe, on our
side, except in three field pieces, which unfortunately fell into the
enemy's hands; but not having obtained returns yet, I cannot determine
it with certainty, nor can we ascertain what the enemy's loss was. As
soon as we had gained the passes, I detached a body of light troops,
under Brigadier
General Scott, to hang on their flank and to watch their
motions, and ordered Morgan's corps of riflemen to join him since.
The enemy remained at Westfield till yesterday afternoon, when about
3 o'clock they moved towards Spanktown, with our light troops in their
rear, and pursuing.
The enemy have plundered all before them, and it
is said burnt
some houses.
I have the honour to be, &c.
G. WASHINGTON.

Extract of another letter from the same to Congress, dated head quarters,
Middle Brook, June 29, 1777, 9 o'clock P. M.

Sir, I have not been able to ascertain yet, with any degree of precision,
the loss sustained by the enemy in the several skirmishes on Thursday,
though we have many reasons to believe it was much more considerable
than what it was apprehended to be when I had the honour of addressing
you on the subject.
As to our loss, I am assured by Lord Stirling that it was trifling; and
by such deserters as have come in, that they saw but very few prisoners
taken. It would have been certainly known before this (that is, the
number not yet returned) had not some of the parties, and I believe the
most which were then out, joined the corps since detached. I have the
honour to be, &c.
G. WASHINGTON.
June 30. P. S. The prisoners taken by us were 13, two of which
are light dragoons, the rest infantry.
Published by order of Congress.
CHARLES
THOMSON, Sec'ry.