The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a letter from General Schuyler to his Excellency General Washington, dated Forts, five miles below Stillwater, August 15, 1777.

Willet is arrived at Albany.

I am had with the enemy, Colonel Gansevoort ordered a sortie with two hundred and sixty men, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Willet; that he made a successful attack on part of the enemy's line, drove them across the river, and killed many. Which General Herkimer

That Sir John Johnson, he is informed, was among the slain. That he took and brought off a considerable quantity of baggage. That on his return to the fort he was ambuscaded, and attacked by a body of regular troops, who, after a fire by which Willet did not lose one man, were charged with fixed bayonets, and drove. He farther informs that between three and four hundred Indians were killed, wounded, and left the besiegers after the engagement. That the militia, with General Herkimer lost about one hundred and sixty killed and wounded. That General St. Leger, who commands the enemy's force in that quarter, sent in a flag to demand the delivery of the fort offering that the garrison should march out with their baggage, and not to be molested by the savages. That if this was not complied with, he would not answer for the conduct of the Indians, if the garrison fell into their hands; and that they would certainly fall on the inhabitants. That General Burgoyne was in possession of Albany. [The public are desired to take notice, that Lieutenant Colonel Willet did not inform that General Burgoyne was in possession of Albany, but that General St. Leger sent his false information to Colonel Gansevoort, in order to induce him to surrender the fort. That Colonel Gansevoort after animadverting on the barbarity and disgraceful conduct of the British officers, in suffering women and children to be butchered as they had done, informed the flag that he was resolved to defend the fort to the last; that he would never give it up as long as there was a man left alive to defend it. That he was well supplied with provisions and ammunition.

Colonel Gansevoort being informed that the militia were dispirited, expecting that the fort would soon fall, sent Lieutenant Colonel Willet out to cheer up their spirits. That he found the militia of Tryon county collecting with great alacrity, and as General Arnold, with the troops marched under his command, will probably reach the German flats on the 16th or 17th, I have great hopes that the siege will soon be raised.]

Published by order of Congress,

CHARLES THOMSON, Sec'ry.