Last Saturday arrived at the Hook (like the swarm of Locusts, escaped from the bottomless pit) a fleet said to be 130 sail of ships and vessels from Halifax, having on board General Howe, &c. sent out by the Tyrants of Great Britain, after destroying the English constitution here, on the pious design of enslaving the British Colonies and plundering their property at pleasure, or murdering them at once, and taking possession of all, as Ahab did of Naboth's vineyard.
On Monday about 1000 of them landed on the west end of Long Island, but soon embarked again, and seeing a party of rifle-men, said to be about 1000, gave them three huzzas, which they returned with the Indian warwhoop. On Tuesday morning some of them appeared coming up, and before night about 45 sail came above the Narrows, and anchored at and near the Watering Place, where they fired about 50 cannon shot, of which we have not heard the occasion, and landed many of their men, whom we could plainly see exercising and parading.
It was apprehended they intended to penetrate into the interior parts of the island, or to some of the neighbouring towns, but it does not appear they they have yet attempted it, or done any thing on shore, except taking up a little bridge on the causeway between the Landing and the Highlands, at the Ferry. We hear General [Hugh] Mercer, with a detachment, was yesterday dispatched to watch their motions and act as occasion might require.
We are assured that Major [John] Lamb, Capt. [Eleazer] Oswald, and Capt. [Aaron] Burr, are prisoners on board this fleet.