Lord Dunmore having certain intelligence about a month since, of a large body of the Rebel Army being on their march to destroy Norfolk, because its inhabitants had professed their loyalty to Government; in order to prevent their wicked intentions, sent a party of the 14th regiment to a narrow pass through which the Rebels were to march, and erected a Fort there about 18 miles from Norfolk. This was garrisoned with 35 men, and a few Vi:>lunteers from Norfolk. The Rebels approached, and made several unsuccessful attacks, but were always repulsed with loss; till on the 8th inst. his Lordship received information, that a party of the Rebels had got over, and proposed to attack the Fort on both sides; it was judged necessary to attack the main body, which accordingly was done early on the morning of the 9th, by a detachment of the 14th, under Capt. Lesly, about 130 in number, with a party of Marines, and some Volunteers from Norfolk, and Princess Anne, in all about 350. This small detachment made a furious attack upon the Rebels intrenchments, and after every effort which British Soldiers could do, were obliged to retreat, with the loss of the brave Captain Fordyce, two Lieutenants, and about fifteen Privates killed, and forty wounded, fifteen of which fell into the Rebels hands, including a Lieutenant. The Rebels were posted in great strength, 1100 in number; so what could our small party do, upwards of four to one against them, and strongly entrenched? The consequence of this repulse was, that we were obliged to abandon the fort, and likewise Norfolk, and take shelter on board the ships. I hope the time will soon arrive, when these rebellious Savages will be severely punished for their crimes. Some few of the Friends of Government, who fall into their hands, Jhey treat with the greatest cruelty, chaining them to Negroes, &c. There are now about 2000 of them in Norfolk and the neighbourhood, and they having stopt all supplies to the ships, it is imagined the ships of war will destroy the town in a few days. The Liverpool, King Fisher, and Otter, are now laying before the town for that purpose. Lord Dunmore has done every thing for the Cause of his King and Country which man can do; and had 1000 troops arrived two months ago, he would have had Virginia totally reduced to obedience by this time.