Sr.
In consequence of your Letter dated the 4 Inst. which I received the 5h between 4 & 5 AM by the 1st. Lieut.1 l of the Cerberus as well as a Copy of a Letter from Sr Robt Pigot informing you of his Intentions of withdrawing the Troops in case the Enemys Ships should enter the harbour he therefore wish'd the advanced Frigates might have ords. to retire within the Garrison.2
I am to inform you that prior to the receipt of yours, Two of the French line of Battle Ships which lay off the North End of Connannicutt was under Sail and standing in between Prudence and the half way Rock, and that I had the Topsails of his Majestys Ship Orpheus under my Command Set,3 and ready to weigh, but as it was flood Tide and the wind up the River, it was impossible for me to pass the Enemy, without falling into their hands, as your Letter directed me to Act as circumstances might require, and to avoid being Captured, or the People taken Prisoners, I got under Sail and embarked all the Men in the Boats, Except myself, 1st. Lieutenant Carpenter4 and a Boats Crew and Run the Ship on Shore a little to the Eastward off Dyers Island and set her on fire in Seven different places, and then left her, without a Single man lost or hurt, and in 3 Quarters of an hour she blew up.
I am sorry to inform you that the Enemy was too near me to attempt saving the People's Hammacks; They have therefore as well as myself and Officers, lost most of their Cloaths and Bedding.
I am [&c] Chas. Hudson