Sir, Agreeable to the plan laid between you and General Clinton, the light Infantry of the Army under his Command, embarked on board the flatt bottom boats at Charlestown ferry, at Eleven o'Clock this morning under the Command of Lieutenant Colonel Clark.

About twelve the Signal being made from the Scarborough the boats formed into two Divisions and landed on Phipp's Farm, abreast of where I lay, being led by Lieutenant Hutt of the Scarborough.

Previous to the landing of the Troops I had placed your armed boat which carries two four pounders and six swivels, to flank a Causeway, which was occupied by a large body of the Rebels who were coming over to attack the Troops but upon her firing upon them, they immediately retired.

As soon as the Troops had made good their landing, I sent a party of Seamen on Shore who brought off all the Cattle that was upon the Farm amounting to fourteen head.

When the Troops were reembarking the Rebels appeared upon the Heights in great numbers and begun to fire upon the Troops, but they was soon dispersed by the Scarborough's cannon, and two field pieces that General Clinton had placed near the Mill on Charles Town side under the direction of Captain Drummond.

At two o'Clock the Troops reembarked without the loss of a man either killed or wounded.

As soon as the rear Guard got into the Boats I ordered your Armed Boat in Shore to bring up the rear and to fire at the Rebels if they should descend from the Heights, Mr Delgarno belonging to the Preston who Commanded her performed that Service very much like an Officer and was of great use in covering the Troops by keeping a very brisk fire.

I enclose you a Copy of General Howe's Letter to me mentioning the loss the Rebels sustained.²

I have likewise the pleasure to inform you that the Officers and Seamen employed upon this Service were very alert. I have the Honor to be Sir [&c.]