On Friday the 25th instant, twenty six sail of the enemy's ships appeared off Norwalk Islands, standing in for Cedar-Point, where they anchored at 4 o'clock P. M. and soon began landing troops; by 10 o'clock they had landed two brigades, consisting of upwards of two thousand men, and marched immediately for Danbury, where they arrived the next day at 2 o'clock P. M. ー The handful of Continental Troops there, were obliged to evacuate the town, having previously secured a part of the stores, provisions, &c. The enemy on their arrival began burning and destroying the stores, houses, provisions, &c. On the appearance of the enemy, the country was alarmed: Early the next morning, Brigadier Gen. Silliman with about five hundred militia, (all that were collected) pursued the enemy; at Reading he was joined by Major-General Wooster, and Brigadier-General Arnold ー The heavy rain all the afternoon, retarded the march of our Troops so much that they did not reach Bethel (a village two miles from Danbury) till 11 o'clock at night, much fatigued, and their arms rendered useless by being wet. It was thought prudent to refresh the men, and attack the enemy on their return. Early the next morning, (which proved rainy) the whole were in motion, two hundred men remained with Gen. Wooster, and about four hundred were detached under General Arnold, and General Silliman, on the road leading to Norwalk. ー At 9 oclock A. M. intelligence was received that the enemy had taken the road leading to Norwalk, of which Gen. Wooster was advised, and pursued them, with whom he came up about 11 o'clock, when a smart skirmishing ensued, in which Gen. Wooster, who behaved with great intrepidity, unfortunately received a wound by a musket ball, thro' the groin, which it is feared will prove mortal. Gen. Arnold, by a forced march across the country, reached Ridgfield at 11 o'clock, and having posted his small party (being joined by about 100 men) of 500 men, waited the approach of the enemy, who were soon disrnvered advancing in a column with three field pieces in front, and three in rear, and large flank guards of near two hundred men in each. ー At noon they began discharging their artillery, and were soon within musket shot, when a smart action ensued between the whole, which continued about an hour, in which our men behaved with great spirit, but being over-powered by numbers, were obliged to give way, tho' not until the enemy were raising a small breast work, thrown across the way, at which Gen. Arnold had taken post with about 200 men (the rest of our small body were posted on the flanks) who acted with great spirit; the General had his horse shot under him, when the enemy were within about ten yards of him, but luckily received no hurt, recovering himself he drew his pistols and shot the soldier who was advancing with his fixed bayonet. ー He then ordered his Troops to retreat thro' a shower of small, and grape shot. In this action the enemy suffered very considerably, leaving about thirty dead and wounded on the ground, and besides a number unknown buried. ー Here we had the misfortune of loosing Lieut. Col. Gold, one subaltern, and several privates killed and wounded. It was found impossible to rally our troops, and Gen. Arnold ordered a stand to be made at Sagatuck bridge, where it was expected the enemy would pass.
At 9 o'clock, A. M. the 28th, about 500 men were collected at Sagatuckbridge, including part of two companies of Col. Lamb's battalion of Artillery, with three field-pieces, under command of Lieut. Col. Oswald, 1 field-piece with part of the artillery company from Fairfield, sixty continental troops, and three companies of volunteers from New-Haven, with whom Generals Arnold and Silliman took post about two miles above the bridge. Soon after the enemy appeared in sight, their rear was attacked by Col. Huntington, (commanding a party of about 500 men) who sent to Gen. Arnold for instructions, and for some officer to assist him ー General Silliman was ordered to his assistance; the enemy finding our troops advantageously posted, made a halt, and after some little time, wheeled off to the left and forded Sagatuck river, three miles above the bridge. Gen. Arnold observing this motion, ordered the whole to march directly for the bridge in order to attack the enemy inflank. Gen. Silliman, at the same time to attack their rear; the enemy by running full speed had past the bridge on Fairfield side, with their main body, before our troops could cross it. Gen. Silliman finding it impossible to overtake the enemy in their rear proceeded to the bridge, when the whole were formed, they marched in two columns, with two field pieces on the right, the other on the left of the enemy, when a smart skirmishing, and firing of field pieces ensued, which continued about three hours. The enemy having gained the high hill of Compo, several attempts were made to dislodge them, but without effect. The enemy landed a number of fresh troops to cover their embarkation, which they effected a little before sun-set, weighed anchor immediately, and stood across the sound for Huntington, on Long-Island.
Our loss cannot be exactly ascertained, no return being made. It is judged to be-about sixty killed and wounded. Among the killed, are 1 Lieut. Col. 1 Capt. 4 subalterns, and Doct. David Atwater, of this town, whose death is greatly lamented by his acquaintance. Among the number wounded are Col. John Lamb, (of artillery) Anar Bradley and Timothy Gorham, volunteers from New-Haven, tho' not mortally.
The enemy's loss is judged to be more than double our number, and about 20 prisoners. The enemy on this occasion behaved. with their usual barbarity, wantonly and cruelly murdering the wounded prisoners who fell into their hands, and plundering the inhabitants, burning and destroying every thing in their way.
The enemy the day before they left Fairfield were joined by 10 sail, chiefly small vessels.
Since the enemy went off, a number of disaffected Persons, who it is supposed intended to join them, have been taken into Custody.