Fort Johnston [Johnson] Jan: 12 ー 1776 ー one OClock ー
Sr
Since my last of 12 OClock the Boat I sent out this morning to reconnoitre the Men of War has come back. After I fired at the Man of War's Boat she rowed away as fast as she could, & meeting with our Boat went along side of her. Our People passed as Fishermen & were taken by the Men of War's People to be so. From them we learn that there is a 50 Gun ship & a 28 Gun ship in the Offing, & a Sloop to lighten the 50 & that they are in no want of Pilots. I send this by Serjeant Redman who was on board of our Boat & will answer such Questions as you may please to put to him ー The Pilot Boat is safe & coming up very fast, but it is impossible to overtake the Man of War Boat. I have the honour to be Sr [&c.]
Charles Cotesworth Pinckney.
Major of the 5th Regt
