We are informed by a Letter from Frederick County, That on Monday the 11th of September, Major Grant, of the Highland Regiment, marched from our Camp on the Waters of the Potomac, with 37 Officers, and 805 Privates, taken from the different Regiments that compose the Western Army on an Expedition against Fort Duquesne. The third Day after their March, they arrived within 11 Miles of Fort Duquesne, and halted til three o'Clock in the Afternoon; then marching within two Miles of Fort Duquesne, and left their Baggage there, guarded by a Captain, two Subalterns and Fifty Men, and marched with the rest of the Troops, and arrived at 11 o'Clock at Night upon a Hill, a Quarter of a Mile from the Fort. Major Grant sent Two Officers, and Fifty Men to the Fort, to attack all the Indians, &c. they should find lying out of the Fort; they saw none, nor were they challenged by the Centries: As they returned they set Fire to a large Store House, which was put out as soon as they left it. At Break of Day, Major Lewis was sent with 200 Men Royal Americans and Virginians, to lie in Ambush a Mile and a Half from the main Body, on the Path on which they left their Baggage, imagining the French would send to attack the Baggage Guard, and seize it: Four Hundred Men were posted along the Hill facing the Fort, to cover the Retreat of Capt. M'Donald's Company who marched with Drums beating towards the Fort, in order to draw a Party out of the Fort, as Major Grant had some Reason to believe there were not above 200 Men in the Fort, including Indians; but as soon as they heard the Drums, they sallied out in great Numbers, both French and Indians, and fell upon Capt. M'Donald and two Columns that were posted lower on the Hill to receive them. The Highlanders exposed themselves without any Cover, and were shot down in great Numbers, and soon forced to retreat. The Carolinians, Marylanders, and lower County Men, concealing themselves behind Trees and the Brush, made a good Defence: but were overpowered by Numbers, and not being supported, were obliged to follow the rest. Major Grant exposed himself in the thickest of the Fire, and endeavouring to rally his Men, but all to no Purpose, as they were, by this Time flanked on all Sides. Major Lewis and his Party came up and engaged, but were soon obliged to give Way. A Number was drove into the Ohio, most of whom were drowned. Major Grant retreated to the Baggage, where Capt. Bullet was posted with Fifty Men, and again endeavoured to rally the flying Soldiers, by intreating them in the most pathetic Manner to stand by him, but all in vain, as the Enemy were close at their Heels. As soon as the Enemy came up to Capt. Bullet, he attacked them very furiously for some Time, but not being supported, and most of his Men killed, was obliged to give Way: - However, his attacking them, stopped the Pursuit, so as to give many an Opportunity of escaping: The Enemy followed Major Grant, and at last separated them, and Capt. Bullet was obliged to make off. He imagines the Major must be taken, as he was surrounded on all Sides, but the Enemy would not kill him, and often called to him to surrender. The French gave Quarter to all that would accept of it.
