By an express from Norfolk, and letters from colonel [Robert] Howe, we learn, that all the ships and tenders which had been drawn up close to the town with springs on their cables began a heavy fire at 3 o'clock in the evening of Monday last [January 1], that after about an hour's firing, a few boats were sent ashore under cover of the cannon, and concealed by their smoak, which was blown in on the shore, and several houses were set on fire in different places along the river, that this was done so suddenly and amidst so much smoke and noise, that it was impossible to prevent it; that the wind being favourable to their design, the flames spread with great rapidity, and when the fire had run to a great extent, and our enemies imagined they had spread confusion and terror amongst our young troops, by such an incessant cannonade as they had kept up, and by the conflagration around them, they attempted to land a number of men in different parts of the town, but were repulsed with considerable loss in every attempt; all our centinels and guards kept their posts notwithstanding, and had pretty smartly chastised those who set fire in the houses; they were reinforced by lieutenant colonel [Adam] Stephens, with about two hundred marksmen, who behaved with great bravery. Six of the enemy were left dead on the shore, and great numbers were supposed to be carried off in their boats. We did not lose a man; but had six or seven wounded. Some poor women were killed in endeavouring to move out of town. It was a shocking scene to see the poor women and children, running about through the fire, and exposed to the guns from the ships, and some of them with children at their breasts. Let our countrymen view and contemplate the scene! Colonel Howe speaks highly of colonel [William] Woodford, colonel Stephens, and all the officers and men. The cannonade had lasted twenty five hours when the express came away, and the flames were raging (it being impossible to extinguish them on account of the heavy fire from the ships) and had consumed two thirds of the town. Our men, notwithstanding this, still kept their posts. The ships which fired were the Liverpool, Kingfisher and Otter, men of war, lord Dunmore's large ships, the William and Eilbeck, the store ships, and all the tenders. It is affirmed that one hundred cannon played on the town almost incessantly for twenty five hours, and the express says he heard firing all the way on the road. Notwithstanding this heavy firing, and the town in flames around them, our men had the resolution to maintain their posts, and the coolness to aim as usual They seem animated in their glorious cause and appear to be shielded as the favourites of Heaven.

Upwards of thirty of Jack Dunmore's hopeful gang, consisting of soldiers, sailors, and negroes, arrived here yesterday as prisoners under a strong guard. They are taken proper care of.

A large snow from Cork, laden with beef, butter, and potatoes, and a fine brig from the West Indies, laden with rum and sugar, were taken last Thursday [January 4] by our good old friend captain [James] Barron. He was in a small vessel, with only six swivels and nine men. The prizes are sent to Cumberland town to unload. ¹