The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a letter from Cross Creek, August 3.

"With pleasure I congratulate you on our success to the southward, the particulars as has been received at this place by express, are as follows; that on Wednesday week, Col. Sumter with a party of the South Carolina militia surprised a post of the enemy, composed of British and tories, commanded by Ferguson, in which Ferguson was killed, together with a Capt. Hooks, and 11 privates. Taken 1 Major, 1 Captain, 2 Lieutenants, and 24 privates, with a number of horses and all the baggage. This party consisted of 180 under Ferguson, and posted at Twelve Mile Creek in Mecklenburg county in this state, at about 16 miles above where Col. Buford was defeated. The party under Sumter, consisted of 200, all militia, which has since been reinforced from that state to 1000, and lie near the enemy's post at Hanging Rock. Two days after the above, Col. Davidson was detached with a party of 170 men from General Rutherford, to surprise a post of tories near Colson's on Pedee, said to consist of 600; killed 6, and took 40, together with a number of horses, and all the baggage, without the loss of one man, the Colonel only wounded. The militia under Major General Caswell, took post several days ago at the Cheraw Hill, late Major McArthur's post, who retreated precipitately, leaving a quantity of stores and some provision; on his leaving the place he sent his invalids down the river, with a party, the whole amounted to 200, all belonging to the 71st regiment, in boats, and as soon as he marched, a Capt. Thomas who lived near the Long Bluff, collected 29 of his men, went down the river, took the boats, and made prisoners of the men, among which was a number of officers, and the greatest part of the stores which was at that post; since which has been taken, a boat coming up the river with 20 hogsheads of rum, one of sugar, and one pipe of wine, at the same time General Rutherford was advanced on the road leading from Cheraws to Camden, about 10 miles in front, and General Gates with the continentals crossing Pedee, a little above Haley's ferry. General Caswell has detached a party to George town, but that river is clear of all the enemy, except tories. The militia as far as Santee, are embodying and sending in prisoners every day. They turn out and a more spirited than ever. We are informed from camp, the enemy's post at Camden do not consist of more than 300, no works, and commanded by Lord Rawdon; the post above at Hanging Rock, about 800 including tories, and commanded by General Brown, late from New York. By a Gentleman who left this place three days ago to go to camp, and he had important news for the General. He says, 1000 men sailed from Charlestown last Wednesday week, which place he left two days after. He is well known in this place, and his information believed."