Billingsfort SWbS

At ½ past 1 AM was order'd by Cap^t Hamond to move the ship that he might take our place & assist the Augusta. At 5 the guard boats return'd, at the same time rec^d. orders from Cap^t Reynolds¹ to give the Men employ'd and to be employ'd on guard extra allow^ce. of Rum & Meat on Banyan days.² At 7 the  Rebels began firing from their Vessels, Red Bank & Mud Forts.³ which was return'd by the Augusta & Roebuck, At 8 four Fire Vessels were sent down w^ch our Boats tow'd clear of the Fleet. Fired 61 twelve pounders at them. At 11 His Majesty's Ship Augusta took fire. Sent all our people to assist taking the people out. At 12 Weigh'd & dropt down out of the Fire of the Augusta's Guns At the same time Orders were given to Set the Merlin on Fire, being still on Shore & near the Au­gusta. Boats employ'd taking the people from her.

Billingsfort SW½S dis^ce. ½ a Mile.

Mod^te: W^r: At ½ past 1 PM His Maj^s Sloop Merlin blew up, At 3 the Isis warp'd up to us & fir'd several Shot at the Enemy [in] their Galleys