Rhode Island 8th Decr 1776
The Army landed this morning at Weaver's Cove near Mr Stoddard's house, in the following order —
The first Embarkation consisted of the Light Infantry, Grenadiers, and 10th Regiment, under the Command of Major General [Richard] Prescott. As soon as they had landed, the boats returned for the three other Battalions of the 3rd brigade, which formed the whole of the 1st Division.
The 2nd Division consisted of Losberg's brigade, & Wutgenau's Regt under the Command of Major General [Frederick Wilhelm Freiherr von] Los[s]berg.
The 3rd Division consisted of the 43rd, 54th, & 63rd Regiments of the 5th brigade, and the two other Hessian Regiments of Schmidt's brigade, under the Command of Brigadier General [Francis] Smith: -All these Corps were landed in succession at the same place, and the whole of the Army on shore by 3 oClock in the afternoon.
The first Embarkation under Genl Prescott, marched as soon as formed to the high road from Newport to Bristol ferry, a short distance from the landing place, and finding that the few of the Enemy who were on the Island, had retired in haste towards the N. end of it, he pursued them to the ferries, where he took a few prisoners, and a 9 pr Cannon; and saved a great many Cattle & Sheep which they had not time to carry off.
The remainder of the 3rd brigade marched as soon as they landed and joined Genl Prescott. The 5th brigade and the two Hessian brigades, were ordered to encamp near the road above Mr Stoddard's house.
The 22d Regiment went down on their Transports under cover of some of the Ships of War, early this morning to Newport, and finding the Rebels had abandoned it, they landed, and took possession of it, and the Batteries.
It rained dbring the time the first Division were landing, but cleared up soon after, and proved a fine mild day.
It appears that the Rebels have driven off a considerable number of Cattle and Sheep belonging to the Inhabitants; and have removed most of their Cannon and Ammunition.
The Rebels have Batteries on the Main at Bristol Ferry, and Rowland's ferry. They fired both round & Grapeshot from their Battery at Bristol ferry, at some of our advanced parties, but without any effect.
