On the 30 July Lieutt Colthurst and myself having remained up till day light and the Marines the whole time under Arms, and Centinels placed at different parts of the Island, thought we might with safety rest a few hours, but to our great surprize about half past Gun firing in the Morning was by the Sergeant alarmed saying "the Whale Boats are coming" Lieutt. Colthurst and myself having laid down in our Cloaths repaired with the greatest Expedition to the Guard Room and ordered the Marines immediately to the Place where we imagined the Rebels intended to Land, who we found within Pistol Shot of the Rocks to the Number of 33 boats each Boat containing about 13 men. The Marines were drawn up, tho' not without great Confusion, perceiving many of them in liquor and totally unfit for Service; Notwithstanding I will venture to affirm every precaution was used to prevent it by frequently examining them and cautioning the Carpenters against bringing Liquor on pain of their being sent Prisoners to Boston, tho' I am of opinion it could be conveyed to them by no other means. Several of the Marines were perceived to be in Liquor in the Night and two Centinels relieved and confined for that fault. The Marines without Orders fired a number of Musquets at the Boats, then laying on their Oars; Lieutt Colthurst then advised with me what was most proper to be done observing there was a much greater force than was possible for us to defeat, I replied as the Whale Boats were laying on their Oars and appearing to consult how they should act; by continuing the fire they might probably retreat, which Words I had scarcely uttered when the Rebels cheered divided and proceeded to land on different parts of the Island. Lieutt Colthurst was then of opinion that by retreating to the House we might defend ourselves till assistance came from the Ships but recalled his Proposals giving for reason that as the House was defended within only the Rebels would set it on fire which if I may presume to give [my opinion] was highly probable, as the Rebels after getting within a few Yards of it would have received no hurt from our fire it being impossible to bring any Musquets to bear on them, and there being many Openings in the lower part of the House which they might with great Ease have set fire to. He therefore judged it expedient for us all to retreat on board a Schooner than laying in the Mole afloat; which finding him resolved on doing and many of the Rebels being landed[,] with his Approbation I told him I would repair to the long Boat which lay at a small distance from the Mole and use my Endeavours to cover the Marines in the Embarking; which he consented to  I proceeded to the Wharf jumped overboard and waded to a Canoe by which means gained the long Boat, got under weigh and used my Endeavours to cover their Retreat. The Schooner in easting grounded which being observed by the Rebels, who having set the Houses on fire, immediately boarded and took them all Prisoners. As I could be of no further Assistance I judged it necessary for the safety of the Men and Boat, the Whale Boats then pursuing me, to retreat towards the Lively, which I could not effect without difficulty being obliged to turn against Tide. I cannot pretend to say what Number of Men were Killed or wounded, nor did I see any fall except Mr. Coulthurst on the Wharf getting his men on board the Schooner. Neither can I pretend to say what part of the Pilot and Carpenters took as Mr Coulthurst gave Orders to the Centinel at the House that if we should be attacked not to suffer any of them to come out, nor did I see any of them out except one who escaped with me in the Long boat. Centinels to the Number of seven were placed every Night and all the rest of the Men accouter'd in the Guard Room.