town, and south-east of N , and fell back on those heights ; firing all the

barns, hay and corn stacks in front. This induced the enemy to believe we had again retreated, and determined to take the advantage of our apparent fligiit, their army instantly moved forward into the part of our lines which were evacuated. This brought on a pretty brisk cannonade, though at too great a distance to do much execution. I lost one man, and had two wounded. I have heard of no other injury done us. We are by the late movements now far advanced -- in front of course most exposed. The enemy retired to their former encampment in the evening, leaving strong advanced pickets, and working parties who are busily employed in erecting banks on the heights in and near the town. Deserters, (especially from the Queen's light dragoons,) come daily over to us ; and now and then our Rangers send in a straggling prisoner. Captain van Wick of my brigade, who, at his earnest desire, was appointed to a company of rangers, was the day before yesterday unfortunately killed. He went out in the morning with about 30 men, and fell in with about 100 of the enemy in a house not far distant from their lines -- charged them with spirit, gave them a brisk fire, but unfortunately, when loading his piece the second time, was shot in the head, and fell dead. His lieutenant shot down the man who killed his captain. The enemy fled ; our party brought off their captain, and yesterday evening I had him interred with the honors of war. He was a good man, and a valiant officer. Pray communicate this sad news to his widow, (to whom I would write, had I leisure,) in a manner that will least affect her.