The Virginia Gazette

Extract of another letter from York, dated Nov. 24, 1777.

HOWE has made himself very strong at Philadelphia, being behind double lines, well fortified; and he has lately made himself master of Fort Island, which was defended to the last extremity, and with great gallantry, by the garrison. We have hopes that Lord Howe will not be able to get his fleet up to the city, notwithstanding they have got this island, so long as Red Bank remains in our possession. Lord Cornwallis has crossed the Delaware, with 3000 men, to reduce that post, which is defended by 2000 fine troops, well posted, and ably commanded, so that I expect his Lordship will get a drubbing. Twenty regiments from Gates's army are ordered to join General Washington, which will make his army strong. Beef is now three shillings a pound hard money, in Philadelphia. Their distress is great, and probably will be much greater. I fancy you are misinformed about the 1500 Roman Catholics having joined Howe. William Allen is endeavouring to raise a regiment, but we don't hear that he is very successful. The Delaware frigate yet remains in possession of the enemy, but they have not done any injury to us with her as yet. Mr. Carmichael writes from Paris the 6th of July, that Doctor Lee was returning from Berlin, having finished his business successfully at the court of Prussia. The English could get no foreigners to assist their loan. The King of Prussia has opened his ports to the Americans. Mr. Bingham writes us from Martinique, 13th of October, that a war between France and England is expected every day. That the General is ordered to put the French islands immediately in a state of defence, and to embargo all vessels going to Europe, to prevent their falling into the enemy's hands. Five thousand troops are immediately to be sent over, transports being ready to receive them. Portugal has deserted the interest of England, and acceded to the family compact. It is reported that the East Indians have risen upon their oppressors, and taken Madras; this is all good news. It seems as if the time was coming fast, when Great Britain is to be called upon to make severe retribution for her infamous destruction of the human species in India. Let us be wise and virtuous from her example, that we may avoid her fate.