The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a letter from Shrewsbury, dated July 3.

"On Sunday the 20th inst. I had the honour of informing you that 160 sail of the enemy's fleet had come from the Watering Place, and lay in Sandy-Hook bay. On Monday morning fifteen transports and men of war joined them, and about ten o'clock eighty small brigs, schooners, and sloops, came out of the Narrows, and joined the grand fleet. On Tuesday they lay still. But this morning, at half past six, the signal gun for sailing was fired, the wind N. W. and at seven they began to get under way, and stood for sea. After they got clear of the Hook, they steered a S. E. course, under a very easy sail, in three divisions. I attended their motions until sun down, and perceived very little difference in their course, sometimes appearing to steer a little to the eastward, at other times somewhat to the southward.

"By a deserter, from on board the transport ship America, I am this morning informed that some part of General Howe's army, which crossed from this State to Staten Island, have been sent to New York. He cannot say what number, but thinks not exceeding five hundred. He also informs that the remainder, except two Hessian regiments, which are left as a guard upon the island, are embarked on board this fleet."