The Newport Gazette

Extract of a letter from St. Augustine, dated June 30.

Some few weeks since, a famous Col. Baker so called came with 200 or 300 men to St. John's River, in East Florida, in order to plunder and rob the plantations. As soon as we had notice of it, the General order'd out Major Brown, with about 50 or 60 men, some Indians, and a few Rangers, in order to intercept them; which was done very successfully. We cross'd over the River St. John's, and after marching a long time one of our Scouts came in and informed Major Brown that he had discovered the Rebels about six or seven miles ahead, encamped, under which would be a good place to surround them, and immediately began our march in three columns, of about thirty in each column: the Indians and Rangers were ordered upon the right of the whole, at the same time. We pursued our march, in hopes of attacking them in the rear, by which means we should have had them between two fires; but very unfortunately for us, the Indians came upon some of them before they expected it, which gave the alarm—and a smart fire was kept up on both sides, when the Indians and Rangers not working, and we were obliged to make a retreat, the Rebels following them very close as they did not fire any regular volleys, these thought themselves very happy in beating the Indians and Rangers: but it is impossible to describe the fright they were in when they saw us with fixed bayonets within 100 or 200 yards of them. As soon as we found we were discovered the Major order'd a charge, which we gave them very warmly; they return'd it but faintly, and he was the best fellow who could run the fastest.—In this affair, we had not a man hurt. Their loss is, kill'd, 1 Capt., 1 Lieut., and 30 or 40 privates; two Captains and 11 privates prisoners; besides the Indians took 15 scalps, and 40 or 50 horses: many more we have reason to think died in the swamp, as they were glad to make their way in their confusion, and blood being found in many places near the swamp. If it had not been for the unlucky accident of the Indians falling upon some of them before they were aware of it, we must have cut off the whole or the greatest part. Such a cowardly set of rascals I never saw before, and yet they have the impudence to call themselves soldiers.