(Facsimile not yet available)
[<--page 6]
in with the Enemy Fleet from New York, and
took four of them. Being chased into the Harbor by four British Ships of
War, we then sent our whole force and strained every nerve for the defense
of the Town. The particulars of the Siege with the Struggles and Sufferings
of the Army and Navy need not be restated, they must be well known to
Congress as they are to the World. I Shall only observe, that I faithfully
exerted myself on this interesting occasion to promote the interest and
honor of my Country and tho the town was surrendered, American Honor
triumphant. My men having been Shipped for a Six Month Cruise in a warm
climate and my Vessel destitute of cloathing, these unfortunate fellows were
reduced to the greatest distress from the ferocity of the memorable
inclement Winter of 1780. Feeling for their Misery which I have not the
language to describe I purchased cloathing and necessary Stores for the
Several Ships and delivered the same to the respective Persons, the people
were by this means relieved at my expense, and the whole amount of what [-->page
8]