Since the Retreat of our Army from Long-Island, the Enemy have extended themselves a considerable Length on the Shore bordering the Sound, and on Tuesday a large Number of them landed on Blackwell's-Island, about three Miles from the City, but the Shot from our Batteries soon made them recross the River. On Wednesday a Ship from the Fleet, (supposed to be a Frigate) passed between Governor's Island and Red-Hook, and that Night got up the Sound abreast of the Island the Enemy had been drove from; when, under cover of her Guns, they the next Day again came over to it large Bodies ー This brought on a brisk Cannonade for near two Hours, in which the Ship sustained so great Damage in her Hull, &c. as obliged her tomove close in with the Long-Island Shore, for Shelter from our Shot and Bombs. At the same Time of this attack, a firing also began from the Enemies Batteries on Long-Island opposite the City, which was returned with such Spirit, by our People in their Fortresses at and about the Ship-Yards, that they gave us little or no Annoyance since from that Quarter.
Several Men of War now lie within Gun Shot of our main Battery, and the greatest Part of the Fleet behind Governor's-Island tho' they have lately had very favourable Winds to come up to the City; which gives us Reason to think they mean not to attack it by Water till they know the Success of their forces in attempting to land on this Island.
Thursday a Barge was seen in the East-River, sounding the Channel where it is obstructed by scuttled Vessels, but soon made off, as it is supposed she observed our People at the main Fort, preparing to give her asuitable Salutation.
Wednesday a Flag came from the Fleet with a Return of those Officers that were made Prisoners in the late Attack on Long-Island; who we hear are treated with Civility by the British Officers.
Saturday night our Guard Boats for observing the Motions of the Fleet, fell in with those of the Enemy, when a smart Attack began and lasted for some Time, but the latter being reinforced with several Tenders obliged our's to return to their Station.
On Sunday Morning a Cannonade again commenced, supposed to be from our People opposing some new manoevres of the Enemy up the Sound.
