The Virginia Gazette

CHARLESTOWN, MAY 5.

A LARGE body of the enemy, said to be 1500 men, crossed the river at Zubly's ferry, and next day took possession of the camp at Black Swamp, that had been occupied by General Moultrie. Since then, we have not heard of any movements made either from Coosawhatchie, Purrysburg, or Black Swamp, except that the enemy, who seem cautious of quitting the banks of the river, have sent out parties of light horse to collect cattle horses and other plunder. In the mean time, Major General Lincoln who was near Augusta, with the main body of the army sent several detachments down the country, on the Georgia side of the river, who had already proceeded as far as Brier creek, burnt three forts, erected by the enemy, and taken 20 prisoners. It is generally thought that as soon as General Lincoln's troops crossed into Georgia, the enemy's out posts were all called in, and collected together near Savannah, and at Ebenezer, from whence the movements to this side of the river have been made, to draw that General's attention from his object: But we presume that as soon as they shall be too strong, they are to march directly for Charlestown, or to attack General Lincoln. If they should attempt either, we have not the least doubt of their meeting a proper reception. His Excellency our Governour marched with a body of men from his camp, last Saturday morning, to reinforce General Moultrie; and our southern militia are so animated, by the news of the enemy's having entered this country, that the roads have ever since been thronged with volunteers going to General Moultrie's camp. It is certain, that the enemy since their first landing in Georgia, have received no reinforcements, except the troops that were drawn from St. Augustine, Col. Brown's rangers, the turn coats of Georgia, a number of poor deluded inhabitants of the frontiers of this state and North Carolina, all the most notorious horse thieves, felons, and Banditti that have fled or been driven from this state, and about 80 Indians; and that they expect reinforcements from New York is hardly probable, from the pay of the troops being trusted on board the ship Jason, lately taken. We have, this moment, advice, that the prohibition upon warlike stores is entirely taken off by the Dutch in the West Indies; And that the two fleets at Martinique and St. Lucia, are nearly equal in total force, except that Count d'Estaing's men are healthy, and Byron's very sickly.