The Virginia Gazette

PHILADELPHIA, June 22, 1775.

Extract of a letter from Watertown, dated June 21.

I arrived at this post on Saturday last, in good health, though much exhausted with a rapid and lengthy journey, in so warm a season: The thunder of cannon reached my ears some miles before I got here; the army of Britain had sallied out, and were then engaging our people, who had attempted a lodgment on Bunker's Hill. The line of battle ships, one frigate, the batteries from Boston, a number of floating batteries, and the musketry of 5000 British troops, were discharging incessant torrents of shot, for the space of six hours, on about 1200 Americans, without any artillery except 3 three-pounders; and, what renders the matter more remarkable, the regulars were twice repulsed with excessive slaughter, and finally gained the lines, with the loss of 20 officers killed and wounded, and 1000 men. Our men have intrenched on an eminence in Charlestown, about three quarters of a mile from the enemy's encampment. We have lost 60 men, and upwards of 100 wounded. Our troops are in high spirits, and eagerly wish for another trial. We have met with one capital loss: Our worthy friend doctor Warren was slain in the trenches, bravely struggling for the liberties of his country; and we have lost a few brave officers. On the part of the British troops, major Pitcairn, and a number of capital officers, are among the dead.