Immediately after the unsuccessful attempt made by General Howe, June 26th, to cut off a detachment of our army, under General Sterling, as mentioned in our last, the whole body of the enemy retreated to Staten Island, embarked on board their fleet, and on the 23d of July put to sea; on the 27th, they appeared off the Capes of Delaware. General Washington, with the army, arrived at Germantown on the 29th. On the 31st, the enemy's fleet stood out to sea. They made a second appearance at the Capes, since which we have had no account of them. As this packet goes from the eastward, you will probably be furnished with something further from that quarter. Our worst news is, that we have lost Ticonderoga, whether by neglect or necessity, cowardice or good conduct, will appear hereafter. Congress have ordered General Gates to that department, and have directed Generals Schuyler and St Clair to appear at head quarters, that an inquiry may be made into their conduct, and the circumstances of this mysterious affair. In the papers of July 16th, 23d, August 5th and 6th, you have Generals Schuyler's and St Clair's letters, and the resolves of Congress. We have been fortunate enough to take, and so unfortunate as to lose again, the Fox frigate. She was taken by the Captains Manly and McNeil, but two heavy English ships being in sight when she struck, she was afterwards retaken by them. Major General Prescott, who commanded the enemy's forces at Rhode Island, was seized and made prisoner by a small party under Lieutenant Colonel Barton, as you may see by General Washington's letter to Congress, printed July 23d. The Congress have presented Colonel Barton with a sword, and likewise Lieutenant Colonel Meigs with another; this officer having performed a gallant exploit on Long Island, bringing off nearly a hundred prisoners, and destroying a large quantity of forage. Were it not for the Ticonderoga affair, we should have nothing but good news to communicate; and even that may turn out in the end a lucky circumstance to the general cause, as did the attempt of the enemy to march through the Jerseys last winter. We have a fine healthy army, anxious for nothing so much as to meet their foes. Surely it must appear very ridiculous in Europe that General Howe should be thus shunning the army he came out to conquer, and wasting his time in cruising upon the coast with his whole fleet, at this hot season of the year, when the ministry in England, and perhaps Lord Stormont at Paris, have given out that he has penetrated a hundred miles or more into the country. We are, with great regard, gentlemen, Your most humble servants, BENJAMIN HARRISON, ROBERT MORRIS, JAMES LOVELL. * * * * * TO COUNT DE VERGENNES.