The Virginia Gazette

WILLIAMSBURG, November 7.

Extract of a letter, dated Head Quarters, Germantown, Oct. 25, 1777.

I WAS a Spectator to a most glorious sight yesterday. Placed on the top of a high house in Germantown, I beheld the destruction of two of the British Ships attempting to bombard Fort Mifflin, on the Jersey Shore, in order to facilitate their siege against Mud Fort; the most violent and awful cannonade ensued that perhaps ever happened in this quarter of the world. The gondolas distinguished themselves; and so well concerted was the opposition to the attack, in the midst of confusion of smoke and fire two ships were sent down and set fire to. A 64 gun ship, said to be the Eagle, and a 32 gun frigate, by some said to be the Apollo; in an instant they were in flames, even up to the top gallant yards. They must have had a valuable store of ammunition on board, for when their magazines were blown up, they surpassed the most horrid conception of noise. If all nature had been crushing to atoms the sound could not have been more tremendous. During the time of this great cannonade the Hessians, in number about 3000, made an attack upon Fort Mifflin, and in a little time were defeated with the loss of 500 killed, wounded, and prisoners; among the prisoners we have Count Donop and his Aid de Camp, both wounded. The destruction of the two ships, and defeat of the Hessians, is looked upon as one of the most capital strokes that has happened during the war. I hope a coup de main will be Mr. Howe's fate before long. And then for peace, freedom, and happiness.