We were suddenly alarmed this morning about half past 12 o'clock, by the Asia man of war, cannonading our town, both with grape shot and ball, which continued until 3 o'clock, with short intervals, without doing much damage, except firing into some houses near the fort, and wounding three or four of our men. I learn it happened in the following manner ー A party of our light infantry and citizens about 60, commanded by the brave Capt. [Dirck] Hanson, were busy in removing the cannon from the battery, when they were discovered by the people on board who sent their boat on shore armed.
When they came within 20 or 30 yards of the shore they made a signal to the man of war, who immediately fired upon our people, which was answered by a volley from the barge, without doing execution, as our men were all under cover of the battery, they returned the fire immediately upon the barge, and it is supposed must have killed a good many of them, as they heard a great crying among them, and they directly put off to the ship. Our militia behaved with a good deal of spirit, and turned out extraordinary well. What will be the consequence of this unhappy affair, God only knows.
My dear friend, the scene is now open here, we know what we have to depend upon, every friend to his country ought not to hesitate a moment what step to take. I just learn Cap. [George] Vandeput was not on board this last night, and that they have sent a party of the light horse to take him and our Governour into custody, who are at Long-Island. I am very much fatigued, having been on guard these two nights.
