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The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
Extract from a September 1, 1777, letter reports General Howe's slow advance near Head of Elk, Washington's positions at Wilmington, spirited militia turnout, and successful skirmishes capturing 84 prisoners plus 20 deserters, with Captain Lee seizing 24 more.
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September 12.
Extract of a letter from a member of Congress to his Excellency the Governor, dated Philadelphia, September 1, 1777.
GENERAL Howe moves very slowly on, having advanced not above 8 or 10 miles in a week; his main body being now between the Head of Elk and their place of landing; his advanced parties being about two miles on this side upon Gray's Hill. General Washington's head quarters are at Wilmington, and his main body about 8 miles advanced towards the enemy. If General Howe should insist on coming forward, I suppose a battle must ensue, and shortly too; the militia turns out with great spirit, and in considerable numbers. We have already, in various successful skirmishes, taken 84 prisoners, and 20 have deserted Captain Lee (son of Col. Henry Lee) of Colonel Bland's light-horse, brought in 24 of the enemy prisoners the other day. I believe they rather exceeded in number the whole of his troop.
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What entities or persons were involved?
Where did it happen?
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Head Of Elk
Event Date
September 1, 1777
Key Persons
Outcome
84 prisoners taken in skirmishes, 20 deserters, 24 enemy prisoners captured by captain lee
Event Details
General Howe's army advances slowly between Head of Elk and landing site, advanced parties at Gray's Hill; Washington's headquarters at Wilmington with main body approaching enemy; potential battle imminent; militia responds spiritedly in numbers; successful skirmishes yield prisoners and deserters.