[St. Augustine 24th. July 1778]
[Extract]
My Lord
. . . From the best accounts the Rebel Forces appear to have been about Eight hundred with their Gallies and armed Vessels, and between two and three thousand Land forces of which one half were Carolinians under the Command of the Rebel General How and Williamson, the other regulars and Militia from Georgia immediately under the Command of their Rebel Governor Houstoun,1 mostly forced into the Service and many were enticed by the prospect of plunder thrown out as a Bait by their Governor’s Proclamation.2
In twelve days after our Provincial Naval forces were stationed in St. John’s River so as effectually to secure it, Captain Elphinstone of the Perseus and the Otter3 arrived off this Coast, and soon after nigh five hundred Seminoly Indians advanced within a days march of the Enemy, and a short distance from the King’s forces.
These concurring circumstances I apprehend and nding their scouting Parties continually embarrassed by our Troops on the north of St. John’s, determined them to relinquish their designs, and I have the honour of informing Your Lordship of their retreat without being able to effectuate any mischief in the Province or indeed doing any more than showing their numbers and Strength.4 Plans were formed to destroy their Gallies by Captain Elphinstone with our Naval force, but I apprehend they will have made their escape, and I wish the army could have been attacked in their retreat. . . .5
After pointing out the Establishment of proper Posts for the defence of St. Mary’s River, I shall meditate on the necessary preparations for the conquest of Georgia and Carolina when Lord Howe and Sir Henry Clinton’s Operations are turned that way, that all our assistance may be in readiness for exertion with the Fleet and Army, so as to employ our Rangers and our Naval force to the best advantage, as the expenses of Equipment and maintaining these departments have been very considerable. I have the honour to be [&c.]
The Right Honourable
Lord George Germain |
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Pat. Tonyn
St. Augustine 24th. July 1778 |