I wrote to you Yesterday (1) by Col. Troup giving your Excellency a general Account of a Battle fought on Saturday last at German Town between the American and British Armies. Victory seem'd at first to be promisd to General Washington as a Reward for the spirited Attack which was Judiciously planned & pushed with great Gallantry. On every side the Enemy gave way: But a heavy Fog which totally obstructed all Communication Among our different divisions; and indeed destroyd all distinction between Friends and Foes; seemingly in the midst of Conquest, put an End to all these sanguine Expectations by a sudden Retreat of our Troops. This it is supposed was occasion'd by the Left Wing of our Army's coming up & endeavouring to Join the other body; and each mistaking the other for a fresh Reinforcement of the Enemy. The Enemy however did not pursue, but permitted General Washington to retire with his Cannon, and wounded, at Leisure; venturing only, after some Cessation, to fire a few long shot from some pieces of Cannon. This is the Substance of General Washington's Letter receivd this moment in Congress where I write this short Account; not having it in my power to give you a Copy of his dispatches at large.

   The Loss on either side is not ascertaind. The Consequence the General infers from the Engagement is, that it will make his Troops familiar with danger, and more ready to attack as well as more determind and hardy in Action. In other Respects he observes that his situation is Just the same, as before the Battle, the Loss of men excepted, which is supposed to be fully compensated by the great Havock made among the Enemy.

   When further Circumstances come to Light your Excellency shall be furnished with particulars. Tho' this last Battle cannot be called a fortunate Event it gives no discouragement. The State of Pensylvania however remains weak, feeble and inactive, & contributes little to the common Defence. The dissention concerning their frame of Government seems to have shaken all publick Virtue to the foundation. This between ourselves.