[On board H.M.S. Eagle] Thursday, 12th. Septr.
A severe Canonade was heard on board this Morning, supposed to be Horn's Hook, where our People are dislodging the Rebels, and are already in Possession of two Islands [Montresor's and Buchanan's] near the Isle of York Shore. We have lost one Sailor, who was killed as he lay sleeping on the Grass by a Cannon Ball. An Engineer lost an Arm; and two or three other slight Accidents occurred.
This Afternoon Capt. [Thomas] Wilkinson in the Pearl, a fine Frigate of 32 Guns, arrived from Quebec. He brought us very agreeable News from Genl. Carleton, viz. That General Burgoyne was almost ready to embark on Lake Champlain, and probably would be embarked by the middle of August, with an Army of about 14,000 Men, of which 10,000 were Regulars and about 1000 Indians; and that, if it were necessary, he could bring with him 15 or 20,000 Canadians. Capt. Wilkinson convoyed several Transports with upwards of 500 Rebel Prisoners on board, with whom we know not what to do. He also informed us, that he spoke with a Ship on the 27th. of July, who had seen the Second Division of the Hessians at Sea, and that they may hourly be expected to arrive.