The 43^rd Regiment having undertaken to supply themselves with the necessary quantity of wood from Commonfence Neck,¹ during the time they continued on duty at the advanced posts, & having employed several Carts yesterday in drawing away what had been cut near Hicks's Orchard, the Rebels fired 6 Cannon shot at them from the Fort above Howlands ferry, but without effect.

Four Rebel Sloops went through Bristol ferry this day into Bristol bay. Two of them were full of men. Our battery² fired 12 Shot at them, but they passed through without any damage. Some of the Shot struck very near them.