28th March—Pleasant Weather. Wind N.E. all last night, but S.E. the latter part of this day.
The wood party consisting of 100 men, under the Command of Major Martini of the Hessian troops, embarked on board the fleet going to Shelter Island for wood for the Garrison.
About half after 10 oClock last night, the Lark Frigate Stationed off Greenwich,1 perceived a vessel coming down, and made the Signal; on which The Commodore2 ordered The Maidstone & Sphynx, which were lying in the harbour, to slip their Cables and put to Sea; soon after which the Rebel vessel came past the Somerset lying in the Naraganset passage, who gave her many shot, and by the time she had got to the mouth of the passage, the two Frigates were ready for her, and gave her so warm a reception that she was obliged to run on shore within point Judith. As the wind died away towards morning they could not get near enough to destroy her, which afforded the Rebels an opportunity of getting out part of her stores, and bringing down some guns to protect her. As the Somerset sent no report to the Commodore, and nothing could be seen from the ships in the harbour except our two frigates at anchor in the Offing, the Commodore knew nothing of the situation of the Rebel vessel until Genl Pigot sent him information of what was seen from the heights; upon which the Spitfire Galley was towed out of the harbour by the boats of the fleet, and every necessary preparation made for destroying her. As the wind came in from the S.E. in the afternoon the Frigates worked up and made a disposition for burning her, which was effected about 7 in the Evening, with great gallantry by the boats under the Command of Lieut Vashon3 of The Maidstone, notwithstanding a severe fire of Cannon & Musquetry from the Rebels. She proved to be the Columbus, a Continental Frigate, pierced for 36 Guns,4 Six of which were on a lower deck. She was on her way to New London where she was to have taken in most of her Guns & men. The Rebels saved all the powder she had on board, part of her sails, and some other stores; but the ship was entirely destroyed. Seven Seamen were wounded in boarding her.