The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

HARTFORD, September 11.

Extract of a letter from an officer commanding militia, dated New London, Friday 9 o'clock September 7, 1781.

"Yesterday morning at 10 o'clock, I received advice that the enemy were landing near New London Harbour's mouth: I immediately ordered the regiment under my command to march to New London for its defence. I arrived here, but it was too late to afford any great assistance in repelling the enemy, as they landed at 6 o'clock, and it was so late before I received advice of their arrival, that before the regiment could possibly get down, they were embarking.

The enemy were under the command of the infamous Arnold, and by the best accounts consisted of from 1500 to 2000 men. They have burnt the greatest part of the towns of New London and Groton near the water.

The garrison at fort Trumbull evacuated the fort and went over to fort Griswold, where Ledyard had made a noble defence—repulsed the enemy, two or three times, but at last was obliged to surrender the fort to superior force. The enemy after Col. Ledyard had surrendered, murdered him and a number of others; they left 73 of our men dead, and between 30 or 40 wounded in the fort; they also carried off about 40 prisoners, among which last number is Ebenezer Ledyard, Esq; They evacuated the fort about 10 o'clock in the evening. They blew up the magazines in both forts, but did very little other damage to either of them.

The enemy this morning were at the harbours mouth on board their shipping, & came to sail about 8 o'clock; they are still just out beyond the Light House, as the wind is against them. Their Shipping consists of about 20 sail, two of which appear to be about 20 guns each.

We cannot ascertain the loss the enemy sustained, but by the best accounts imagine it must be as large as ours, if not larger. We have taken on this side a few prisoners, among which is an Ensign mortally wounded.

The loss sustained in this town, in goods, provisions, stores shipping, &c. is very great. A considerable number of vessels made their escape up Norwich River.

Another letter dated Fort Griswold, Groton, 7th Sept. 11 o'clock A. M. says, "That the enemy landed at New London and Groton early yesterday morning, and soon took possession of the works on New London side the river: and about one in the afternoon took possession of fort Griswold, in Groton, by storm, after a most severe and spirited resistance from our troops. About seventy five of our men were found dead in the fort, officers included, among whom is the worthy and brave Lieut. Col. Ledyard, with several other officers of distinguished merit. Capt. Shapley, of Fort Trumbull, is dangerously wounded."