Virginia Argus

Latest from New-Orleans

From the Daily Compiler.

We are indebted to the politeness of a friend for the following

Extract of a letter dated New Orleans, 5th January 1815, to a gentleman in this city.

"I have now to inform you the enemy are yet on the ground where they first landed, say six miles below the city, their force is supposed about 7000. On the evening of their landing, say 23d ult. our advance guard had a warm engagement in the night, which resulted in our favor. Our army fell back to take a favorable position and have entrenched themselves. On the 27th they advanced with a view of storming our works and were repulsed with considerable loss. In this engagement I was present, and had several narrow escapes; on the 1st instant they made a second attempt and were again repulsed without much loss on our side. Our force is now very strong, say 12 to 16000, and our works are also in a state of forwardness to bid defiance—it is in contemplation to offer the enemy battle in a day or two and I have not the least doubt of our success."

P. S. Friday night—Nothing new this day.

From the Coffee House Books.

Extract of a letter from New Orleans, dated January 2d,

"I wrote you on the 30th and have now only to say, that on yesterday, the enemy opened their batteries, and a warm action ensued for about four hours without any intermission, when their guns were dismounted. Our loss did not exceed ten killed and wounded; they have not appeared to day at their batteries, which is a strong evidence of their destruction. Our strength increases every day."

Extract of another letter, dated Jan 6

"I addressed you on the 2d, since which nothing has occurred in the situation of our armies. The troops from Kentucky entered the field, and considerable preparations of defence are making on our part. We have no correct account of the enemy's movements—Spies are out to endeavor to ascertain their movements. Our officers do not intend to risk a general battle, unless they come forward, when we shall have the advantage of our breastworks."

"I have seen Genl. Adair and consider the city safe."

(We understand, the same letter states that a reinforcement of troops, Indians, regulars, &c. were rapidly approaching New Orleans from Mobile.)—Enquirer Extra,

From the Enquirer Extra.

From Mr. Beverly Chew to his brother Mr. John Chew of this city, dated 6th Jan.

"The enemy are fortifying themselves about six miles below this city, and unless they can take the forts below, and bring their fleet up to co-operate, I think they will be obliged to retire without accomplishing their object. It is the general opinion that our city is safe. Our army is near 12,000 strong and are strongly intrenched 4 1/2 miles below this—very strong, additional works are erecting, to which we can retire in case the first line should be forced, but I think we have nothing to fear. I cannot express to you the enthusiasm of all classes, and I add with pleasure that the French and Creoles merit well of their

country. Our loss has been very slight, that of the enemy very severe, particularly on the 1st. inst. when they attacked our forts, and were completely driven back with great slaughter. Our artillery is excellent and admirably served."

"The enemy is supposed to be 5 to 7000 strong:"

"P. S. At the moment of my departure for camp, I add with sincere pleasure that the main body of the enemy have fallen back to the place where they first struck the river (Gen. Villery's plantation,) and in the opinion of military men it is their intention to effect their retreat to their ships, though it is very possible, we may have another tug with them. Rely on it, they will never get possession of this city without paying very dear for it, and they cannot remain here."

(Mr. Chew was one of those who led the left wing, in the attack of the 23d.)