[Extract]
Dr Sir
I have sent express to let you know the Enimys Fleet now lays of[f] the mouth of Elk River and down towards Sassafras river. I have been watching them this day or two and have Ordered the Militia to Assemble at Swan Town this day. I was there yesterday with a few men, and there was a Brigg, a Sloop, a Gondola, and one or two small Craft pased by Swan Town, about a Mile Above the Place and then the Brigg and Sloop returned back, but the Gondola and a small vessel went up to the mouth of Susquehannah and then returned to the Fleet as did all the rest, If a few Cannon had been Planted at Swan Town they might have Prevented the Vessels from going by Swan Town; after the Vessels had returned to the Fleet Captn Francis Holland with two of my sons, Two of the Paca's and two or three more passed over to Spesutie Island with intent to drive off what Stock they could, but before they return'd with a Parcel of Cattle there came a Sloop and Schooner two Armed Vessels and Anchored opposite a sand bank where Captn Holland was Obliged to drive the Cattle by within Abt ¼ of a mile of the Vessels and as soon as the Enimy saw Captn Holland enter the beach they sent of[f] a boat with men to head him, and at the same [time] began to play on him & men with Cannon ball & Grape shott which drove the Cattle back and then Captn Holland was Obliged to retreat down the Island where I sent Canoes to take them off, the Tenders Continues at Anchor yet, and I Intend this day to make another tryal to gett some of the stock of[f], If no more Vessels comes to Assist those that are there then is a fine Parcel of stock on the Island and its a Pity it should fall into their hands. . .
Sunday 10 OClock August the 24th 1777. Aquila Hall Lt. Harf[or]d Coty