[Extract]
Sir,

Agitated betixt Hopes & Fears, I have been waiting with the greatest Impatience & Suspence of Mind, for the Event of an Engagement at New York, which the Papers I lately had the honor of transmitting you, an-nounced the Americans were in daily expectation of.

I have seen an Extract of a Letter dated Philadelphia 29 August, with the following Relation; that Twelve Thousand of the Kings Forces had disembarked at Long Island; that Four Thousand had marched two Leagues into the Country, but were repulsed with the Loss of 100 Men & 2 principal Officers made Prisoners. The Loss on our Side is not mentioned, nor whether they were opposed by Regular Troops or Militia.

I sincerely lament my Inability of furnishing you with the most au-thentic & circumstantial Intelligence, well knowing how absolutely necessary it is, that you should be thoroughly acquainted therewith; but I am fully pursuaded, that the frequent Captures of our Vessels deprive me of those Papers of Information, which are directed for me; however, if it was not for the disappointment of News, we have no Right to complain; considering the Number of more valuable Prizes that we have taken from the Enemy. Our Privateers have met with uncommon Success. they have made great Havock amongt the West India Men; so that upon casting up Accounts, the Ballance will be immensely in our Favor.