The Examination of Serjt Stiles sent from the Fleet with Ensign McCoy to reconnoitre Sept 6th: 1776

[On board the Royal Savage]

Sept. 16th Says that on the 9th Inst: he saw all the Tents on Isle aux Noix and counted them about one hundred and believes there is about one thousand Men there ー the 12th arrived opposite St John's where were a large Number Tents which could not well be counted, he imagines about three hundred when there he counted 34 large Birch Canoes paddle by him towards Isle au Noix supposed they contained about six hundred Indians & one regular officer ー Saw a Schooner at St John's mounting 12 Iron Guns, suppose six pounders another Schooner lay at the Wharf with a F. Sail bent which he supposes was not compleated and believes she mounted not more than 12 Guns one other vessel on the Stocks was planked to her Wales She appeared built in the common Form and something larger than the other two Two small Gondalos were at the Wharf, but saw Nothing of any Rideau or Floating Batteries and believes there was none Their Batteaus appear twice as large as ours and carried fifty or sixty Men one of which row'd near by him ー Left St John's the 12th in Company with Ensign McCoy & parted with him on the 15th at 18 A. M. opposite Hospital Island, where are about 20 Tents