VICTORY AT PARAMUS? Fine content A.L.S. by Abraham B. Bancker, 1p. oblong 8vo, Fishkill, Jan. 4, 1777 to his father. He writes, in most part: "Since Closing my Letter General G. Clinton brings the Acct of General Mif [f]lin having taken 300 of the Enemy Prisoners near Paramus — which my be depended upon— Another Acct from the Eastward says 500 of the enemy are made Prisoner at Rhode Island, brave News for all Honest Americans — I Remain as before...". A fascinating report that should not "be depended upon ". At the time of writing, General Mifflin was no where near Paramus, rather he was near Trenton blocking the route to Philadelphia. This may have been a misreporting of the action at Princeton where Washington estimated that the British lost around 500 captured and wounded, thought the actual number was much less than this figure. We also cannot find any reference to a capture of 500 in Rhode Island either. Ironically there was much good news to report: Washington had followed up his surprise Christmas Day victory at Trenton with a successful action at Princeton forcing Cornwallis to abandon most of his advance posts in New Jersey and giving the patriot cause a much needed morale boost after month after month of defeat. A wonderful insight into the nature of news and rumor during this most chaotic period. Partial separation at folds, one repaired at top, otherwise very good. $300-400