The Virginia Gazette

PHILADELPHIA, August 22:

By an express arrived last evening from general Schuyler to Congress, we have the following important intelligence.

Van Schaick's island, in the mouth of Mohawk river, August 18, 1777.

SIR,

I have the honour to congratulate Congress on the signal victory obtained by general Stark, an account whereof is contained in the following letter from general Lincoln, which I have this moment had the happiness to receive, together with general Burgoyne's instructions to lieutenant colonel Baum, copy whereof is enclosed.

Bennington, August 18, 1777.

Dear General,

The affair under the command of brigadier general Stark, in this part of the country, on the 16th instant, over a party of about 1500 of the enemy, who came out with a manifest design to possess themselves of this town, as will appear by the enclosed, is an event happy and important. Our troops behaved in a very brave and heroick manner; they pushed the enemy from one work to another, thrown up on advantageous ground, and from different posts, with spirit and fortitude, until they gained a complete victory over them.

The following is the best list I have been able to obtain of the prisoners, their killed and wounded, viz. One lieutenant colonel, 1 major, 5 captains, 12 lieutenents, 4 ensigns, 2 cornets, 1 judge advocate, 1 baron, 2 Canadian officers, and 3 surgeons, 37 British soldiers, 398 Hessians, 38 Canadians, and 151 Tories taken.

The number of wounded fallen into our hands, exclusive of the above, are about 80. The number of their slain has not yet been ascertained, as they fought on the retreat for several miles in a wood, but supposed to be about 200. Their artillery, which consisted of 4 brass field pieces, with a considerable quantity of baggage, likewise fell into our hands. We have heard nothing of Burgoyne or his army for these two days past. The prisoners are sent into the state of Massachusetts Bay, except the Tories; shall wait your directions respecting them, as most of them belong to the state of New York. I am, dear general, with regard and esteem, your very humble servant,

B. LINCOLN.

N. B. We had about 20 or 30 killed in the action, and perhaps 50 wounded.

Copy of orders from lieutenant general Burgoyne to lieutenant colonel Baum, dated near Saratoga, August 14, 1777.

SIR,

The accounts you have given me are very satisfactory, and I doubt not every proceeding under your direction will be the same. I beg the favour of you to report whether the route you have marched would be practicable for a large corps with cannon, without repair, or with what sort of repair. This desirable circumstance, at present, for your corps, is to possess Bennington; but should you find the enemy too strongly posted, and maintaining such a countenance as would make a coup de main too hazardous, I wish you to take such a post as you can maintain till you hear farther from me, and upon your report, and other circumstances, I will either support you in force, or withdraw you. Will you please to send to my camp, as soon as you can, waggons and draught cattle, and likewise such other cattle as are not necessary for your subsistence. Let the waggons and carts bring off what flour and wheat they can, that you do not retain for the same purpose. I will write to you in full to-morrow, in regard to purchasing horses out of the hands of the savages. In the meantime, let them be assured, that whatever you select from them fit to mount the dragoons shall be paid for at a proper price. I have the honour to be, with great esteem, yours, &c.

J. BURGOYNE, lieut. gen.

To Lieut. col. Baum.

I am in hopes that Congress will very soon have the satisfaction to learn that general Arnold has raised the siege of fort Schuyler. If that takes place, I believe it will be possible to engage 200 or 300 Indians to join this army, and Congress may rest assured that my best endeavours shall not be wanting to accomplish it.

I am informed that general Gates arrived at Albany yesterday.

Major Livingston, one of my aids, will have the honour to deliver you this despatch. I am, sir, with every sentiment of respect, your most obedient humble servant,

PHILIP SCHUYLER.

Hon. John Hancock, esq;

Published by order of Congress.

JOHN HANCOCK, president.

Extract of a letter from general Schuyler to his excellency general Washington, dated Forts, 5 miles below Stillwater, August 15, 1777.

I am just informed that lieut. col. Willett is arrived at Albany. He advises, that after the engagement which general Herkimer had with the enemy, col. Gansevoort ordered a sortie with 200 men, commanded by lieut. col. Willett; that he made a successful attack on part of the enemy's line, drove them across the river, and killed many. That Sir John Johnson he is informed, was among the slain. That he took one and brought off a considerable quantity of baggage. That on his return, the fort was abused and attacked by a body of regular troops, who, after a fire, by which several Did not lose one man. were charged with fixed bayonets, and drove. He further informs, that between 3 and 400 Indians were killed, wounded, and left the besiegers after the engagement. That the militia with general Herkimer lost about 160 killed and wounded. That general Sr. Ledyard, who commands the enemy's force in that quarter, sent in a flag to demand the delivery of the fort, offering that the garrison should march out with their baggage, and not be molested by the savages. That if this was not complied with. he would not answer for the conduct of the Indians, if the garrison fell into their hands; and that they would certainly fall on the inhabitants, That general Burgoyne was in possession of Albany. That col. Gansevoort, after animadverting on the barbarity and disgraceful conduct of the British officer. in suffering women and children to be butchered as they had done, informed the flag, that he was resolved to defend the fort to the last: that he would never give it up as long as there was a man left alive to defend it. That he was well supplied with provisions and ammunition Col. Gansevoort being informed that the militia were dispersed. expecting that the fort would soon fall, sent lt col. Willet out to cheer up their spirits. That he found the militia of Tryon county collecting with great alacrity ; and as general Arnold, with the troops under his command, will probably reach the German Flats on the 16th or 17th inst. have great hopes that the siege will soon be raised.

Published by order of Congress.

CHARLES THOMSON. SECY.

August 26.