The Virginia Gazette

The following is a copy of an intercepted letter from a person at Rhode Island, to Ned Winslow, at Plymouth; and is here inserted by way of specimen of the lying abilities of the Tories, never more necessary than at this time to cheer up each other's desponding spirits.

DEAR SIR,

I cannot omit this opportunity of returning you, and the rest of my friends, my many thanks for your civilities to Mrs. Eisdale during the time we were at Plymouth. There is no expressing the joy of our little party, on being safely landed among our own people. We found your amiable daughter here well, and in high spirits. I don't know how many colonels, majors, &c. &c. &c. the white zoncho's black eyes (according to custom) have frightened. Both Mrs. Hutchinson and self are intending writing to all their friends by this opportunity.

The rebel game, I take it, will be up this summer, when I fancy they will lose at a d---d rate. Poor Ticonderoga, we are credibly informed, was taken by general Carleton the 27th of last month! Philadelphia will soon follow the same fate. Lord Howe is gone, or going very soon, up the Delaware with a large force; and I suppose the general leads his march by land about the same time, with a considerable army. He has at least 30,000, with continentals, which are at least 10,000, the last return being 7880. Your son, I hear, is well at New York, whom I hope soon to see; but, at present, we have no opportunity. I suppose you have heard of the boasted exploits of the Yankees in an attempt on the picket guard last Wednesday night, and two nights after on this island; and I make no doubt but they have, according to custom, killed 200 or 300 of the enemy; three they have killed, and wounded one, but in a rascally manner. I should write more, but the bearer of this is going directly. My respects and compliments to all friends. I am, dear sir, your very obliged humble servant,

SAMUEL ESDAILE.

Rhode Island, June 17, 1777.