Upon the arrival of the Men of War and the Transports from England, under the command of Capt Charles Douglas, since created a Baronet, the Rebels abandoned the seige, the 6th of May 1776, and fled with great precipitancy. Measures were immediately taken to annoy them in their flight, both by land and Water ー

The conduct and behaviour of Lieut Starke during the seige, having been approved by Sir Guy Carleton the Commander in Chief, and by his Colonel Sir John Hamilton, he was recommended by them to Sir Charles Douglas, who appointed him to command His Majesty's Armed Schooner the Maria of 14 six pounders ー This Vessel was fitted out by him with all possible expedition, for the purpose of annoying the Rebels ー General Sir Guy Carleton embarked in her, and he commanded her under the General's orders in the River St Lawrence, untill they were driven out of the Province, and continued the pursuit of them, as far as the Rapids of Chambly, a fall in the River Sorell, which rendered it impossible to navigate the Vessel any farther