[Extract]
Our troops, with about sixty Townsmen from Norfolk, and a detachment of Sailors from the ships, among whom I had the honour to march, set out from Norfolk to attack once more the Rebels at the great bridge, who had been lodged there some time, and had erected a breast-work opposite to our fort on their side of the river. We arrived at the Fort half an hour after three in the morning, and, after refreshing ourselves, prepared to attack the Rebels in their intrenchments.
Captain Squires, ever ready, from his accomplishments as a Gentleman, and his personal bravery as an Officer, to assist my Lord in the public cause, had sent his Gunners and men to manage two pieces of cannon, who were put in the front, and ordered to begin the attack. But how can it be supposed, that with 200 men we could force a strong intrenchment, defended by at least 2000? yet this was attempted, and we marched up to their works with the intrepedity of lions. But, alas! we retreated with much fewer brave fellows then we took out. Their fire was so heavy, that, had we not retreated as we did, we should every one have been cut off. Figure to yourself a strong breast-work built across a causeway, on which six men only could advance a-breast; a large swamp almost surrounding them, at the back of which were two small breast-works to flank us in our attack on their intrenchments. Under these disadvantages it was impossible to succeed; yet our men were so enraged, that all the intreaties, and scarcely the threats of their Officers, could prevail on them to retreat; which at last they did. The cannon were secured within the fort. We had sixty killed, wounded, and taken prisoners; among whom were the gallant Captain Fordyce, of the Grenadiers of the 14th Brigade, Lieutenants Nappier and Leslie, and Lieutenant Batut wounded and taken prisoner; men all universally esteemed, and for whom all shed tears; but these are dried upon reflecting, that they fell fighting for their King and Country. Such was the fortune of this day, which throws the greatest honour on the men for their unparalleled courage; and I have the pleasure to assure you, I have had the approbation of all my Officers for my behaviour. We set out on our return to Norfolk about seven o'clock in the evening, at which place we arrived at twelve, and the Soldiers were immediately embarked on board vessels prepared for that purpose.