[Extract]
Sir: The design of this is to inform Congress that at about half after three O'Clock this Evening, two of the Enemy's Ships of War, one of 40 and the other of 20 Guns with three Tenders weighed Anchor in the Bay opposite Staten Island and availing themselves of a brisk and favourable breeze, with a flowing Tide, run past our Batteries up the North River, without receiving any certain damage that I could perceive, notwithstanding a heavy and incessant Cannonade was kept up from our several Batteries here as well as from that at Paulus Hook. They on their part returned and continued the fire as they run by. I dispatched an Express to Brigadier General Mifflin, at our Encampment towards the upper end of the Island, hut have not heard whether they have got by or received any Damage.
The Account transmitted by this Morning's Post respecting the arriv, il of one of the Fleet, seems to be confirmed. Several Ships have come in to day. among them, one this Evening with a St. George's Flag at her Fore topmast head which we conclude to be Admiral Howe, from the circumstance of the Flag and the several and General Salutes, that were paid. It is probable they will all arrive in a Day or two and immediately begin their operations....
By an Express this minute from General Mifflin the Ships have past his Works. I am in haste, etc.
