Since the defeat of major Grant and commodore Barclay, they have begun to plunder the gentlemens plantations in their neighbourhood; and from Arthur Middleton Esqr's on the [South] Carolina shore, they had carried off 65 slaves. Sir James Wright, their governor, with his two daughters, has retired on board the Scarborough, thereby abdicating his government, and leaving behind him an estate valued to at least 80,000 1.sterling. Charlestown, in South Carolina, is defended by upwards of 130 pieces of cannon, from 26 to 9 pounders, mounted on 13 forts, batteries and bastions, at the entrance into the harbour, and round the bay; with five continental battalions, and 13 complete uniforme[d] minute companies belonging to the town. They have likewise fitted out three armed vessels; one of them a ship mounting ~4 guns, called the Prosper, the Hon. William Henry Drayton,esq; commander; the brig Comet, of 16 guns, capt. [Joseph] Turpin; and the schooner Defence, captain Tufts, of 12 guns. The two latter, well manned and fitted; were lying ready to join the continental fleet, off Sullivan's island. ー Their Provincial Congress, at their last meeting, have .prepared such. a form of government as they judge will best conduce to the happiness of the people, and effectually secure good order in the province; and the estate and effects of John Stuart,esq; superintendent of Indian .affairs, has been secured by their order, he having been found guilty of spiriting up the Indians against us, with other high crimes and misdemeanors . .On the 23d of last month, there were lying off Fort Johnston, and Brunswick, in Cape Fear river, the Scorpion of 24 guns, with governour Martin on board, the Raven of eighteen guns, the Cruiser sloop of 10 guns, three or four small armed vessels, a few transports with 400 land forces, and some prizes, making in the whole 20 odd sail of vessels; and more troops were hourly expected, with general Clinton, who it was said was then on the coast. The ships of war and transports, now in the river, have on board a vast quantity of warlike stores and military apparatus, which were to have been put into the hands of the insurgents. ー Capt. Collett, in the General Gage armed vessel (some time commander of fort Johnston, and well known to be a pert audacious little scoundrel) has lately committed divers acts of piracy and robbery. Amongst others, he set fire to the elegant house of col.

Dry, formerly one of his majesty's council, and collector of the customs for the port of Brunswick, for no other crime than his being a friend to his country; destroying therein all the valuable furniture, liquors, &c. The house of William Hooper, esq; one of the continental delegates, about three miles below Wilmington, likewise shared the same fate, with two pilot houses near Fort Johnston. ー The town of Brunswick is totally deserted, and the enemy frequently land in small parties, to pillage and carry off negroes; but had the misfortune, in one of their excursions to lose eight of their gang. Mr.Quince had 18 slaves lately stolen from him. ー The principal inhabitants have left Wilmington, and retired into the country; and it is now occupied by the provincial troops, who are making the necessary dispositions to defend it, by throwing up intrenchments along the river, both in and below the town. The brave col. [Richard] Caswell was on his march there, with his victorious little army; and troops were coming in daily from all quarters, so that it was expected at least 5000 men would rendezvous there in a very short time.