Dear Sir

An hour's detainment of the Tide gives me an opportunity of writing the particulars of yesterday's action at Trenton — Genl Washington with about four thousand Men crossed on the Christmas night and surrounded the town; the enemy was surprised, and collected confusedly; after a short resistance they grounded their arms and surrendered to the amount of 7 50 (Hessians solely) ; they lost 30 killed and wounded, and we 2 killed, and 3 or 4 wounded; Capt [William] Washington among the last, who commanded the advanced party, but not mortally. Had the weather proved favorable, and the other three divisions got over, there would (I have no doubt) the whole of them shared the same fate with these — Their light horse scampered away on the first alarm, and all those on the outskirts of the town made their escape about as many as were taken — There are 1 Col, 2 Majors, 4 Captains, 7 Lieutenants and 8 ensigns — prisoners, with 6 field pieces, 2 Standards and 1000 stand of arms, 20 Drums one Col wounded and left on his parole at Trenton — Our people having returned to this side again we should have whipped them in the same manner at Bordentown could our men under Col [John] Cadwalader have crossed, but the weather and ice made it impossible — This affair has given such amazing spirit to our people, that you might do any thing, or go any where with them -We have vast numbers of fine militia coming in momently — but none from our Province — I believe an attack is intended tomorrow upon the Hessians [main] body at Bordentown; in which I intend serving with my people as artillery men, and are embarked for that purpose on board the gallies Immediately its over (please God) I intend down, and am doubtful if I can bring an anchor with me, but more of that hereafter (I am not pleased about it) I am yours [&c.]