the least doubt that a treaty has been already formed between them and the Americans, the effects of which, in all probability, will be felt as soon as Independence shall be declared, a period which cannot be at a great distance, since the resolutions sent to the General Congress by every of the United States to that effect are already publick. It is by these means that Opposition seeks to weaken the specious reasonings which Government employs, to warn the people of the melancholy consequences of the war, information which already begins to alarm the nation.

LIST OF BRITISH AHMED VESSELS ON THE NORTH AMERICAN STATION.

Third rates.

Armed Vessels.—Canceaux, Cherokee, Lieutenant Ferguson; Dilligence, Labrador, Magdalen, Lieutenant John Nunn; Sultana; Bombketch Thunder, J. Reid.

SAMUEL CURSON TO COMFORT SANDS.

St. Eustatis, July 20, 1776.

SIR: My last respects were of the 30th May. I then forwarded you duplicate of sales of Captain Pullar's cargo, with bill of lading and invoice of what I shipped in return; also the honourable Congress's account current: balance due me £620 7s. 2d. If you find it right, I shall be much obliged to you to pay it to Messrs. Curson & Seton, as I owe them a large sum.

Powder continues in great plenty. It has lately been sold as low as 30 piastres. Won't you be in want of blankets next winter? they may be had here at 2 and 3 ps. apiece.

Provisions are likely to be very much wanted soon. There's but little good in these Islands. If we have not larger supplies than heretofore, we may suffer much. The English Islands already feel the effect of America withdrawing their trade from them, and some begin to think with us, Great Britain will lose her object.

I am, with great respect, sir, your most obedient servant,

SAMUEL CURSON.

To Mr. Comfort Sands, Merchant, New-York.

P. S. Superfine flour, 16½ ps.; corn, 13al4 ps.; bread, 16½ ps.; pork, 22a24 ps.; corn, 14 ps.

VIRGINIA COUNCIL.

In Council, Williamsburgh, July 20, 1776.

Ordered, That the Printers publish in their respective Gazettes the Declaration of Independence made by the honourable the Continental Congress, and that the Sheriff of each County in this Commonwealth proclaim the same at the door of his Court-House the first Court day after he shall have received the same.

ARCHIBALD BLAIR, Clerk.

BATTLE NEAR THE GREAT ISLAND OF HOLSTEIN.

Williamsburgh, August 2, 1776.

Last Wednesday an express arrived with the following account of a battle fought between the Militia of Fincastle, and some of the Cherokee and Creek Indians near the great Island of Holstein, on the 20th of July last.

On the 19th our scouts returned, and informed us that they had discovered where a great number of Indians were making into the settlement; upon which alarm, the few men that were stationed at Eaton's completed a breastwork sufficiently strong, with the assistance of what men were there, to have repelled a considerable number, sent expresses to the different stations, and collected all the forces in one body; and the morning after, about one hundred and seventy turned out in seach of the enemy. We marched in two divisions, with flankers on each side, and scouts before. Our scouts discovered upwards of twenty meeting us, and fired on them. They returned the fire, but our men rushed on them with such violence that they were obliged to make a precipitate retreat. We took ten bundles, and a good deal of plunder, and had great reason to think some of them were wounded. This small skirmish happened on ground very disadvantageous for our men to pursue, though it was with (he greatest difficulty our officers could restrain their men. A council was held, and it was thought advisable to return, as we imagined there was a large party not far off. We accordingly returned, and had not marched more than a mile when a number, not inferior to ours, attacked us in the rear. Our men sustained the attack with great bravery and intrepidity, immediately formed a line. The Indians endeavoured to surround us, but were prevented by the uncommon fortitude and vigilance of Captain James Shelby, who took possession of an eminence that prevented their design. Our line of battle extended about a quarter of a mile. We killed thirteen on the spot, whom we found, and have the greatest reason to believe that we could have found a great many more, had we had time to search for them. There were streams of blood every way; and it was generally thought there never was so much execution done in so short a time on the frontiers. Never did troops fight with greater calmness than ours did. The Indians attacked us with the greatest fury imaginable, and made the most vigorous efforts to surround us. Our spies really deserve the greatest applause. We took a great deal of plunder and many guns, and had only four men greatly wounded. The rest of the troops are in high spirits, and eager for another engagement. We have the greatest reason to believe they are pouring in great numbers on us, and beg the assistance of our friends.

JAMES THOMPSON,

JAMES SHELBY,

WILLIAM BUCHANAN,

JOHN CAMPBELL,

WILLIAM COCKS,

THOMAS MADISON.

To Major Anthony Bledsoe; from him to be immediately sent to Colonel Preston.