Eagle Hudson's River
July the 5th 1777.
Number 35.
Sir,
The General meaning to withdraw the Army from the Jerseys into Staten Island preparatory to the intended Operations of the Campaign, the Rebels affected to meditate some Interruption to the Movement. But their advanced Corps, consisting of about three thousand Men, being vigorously attacked by part of the Troops forming the Right Column of the Army under Lord Cornwallis, on the 26th of last Month, they were immediately beat back to the Heights and Defiles where their chief Force was assembled at some Distance in their Rear.
Three pieces of Cannon with several prisoners were taken on this Occasion. And the Enemy not appearing afterwards, the Army were crossed over from Amboy on the 29th and 30th past, and will soon embark from Staten Island for further Service.
The Otter Sloop arrived here from Antigua the 29th, and the Raisonable the next Day. These two Ships coming in with the Coast from the Southward, did not cross the Tract which appeared to be the Station of the Cruizers seen by the St Albans.
The Raisonable took two American Vessels of Ninety Tons each on the Passage to this Port; One with Rice, Indigo, Pimento and Fustick from Charles Town for Nantz; The other with some Tobacco and Lumber from Boston to Surinam.
The Commander in Chief of the Land-Forces having desired that a Frigate may be appropriated for the Conveyance of the Hessian General Heister ordered to return to Europe; I have appointed the Niger for that Service; And to convoy such empty Victualling Transports as have been cleared of their Stores. Captain [George] Talbot is directed to Portsmouth in preference, for the Accommodation of the Hessian General; And will wait to receive Orders for docking the Ship; which will be particularly necessary from some Damage to the False-Keel that she has received.
The Liverpool arriving the 5th Instant, I am favored with your Letters of the 28th and 30th of April, respecting their Lordships future Intention for Sir Peter Parker; with a Commission enclosed appointing him Rear Admiral of the Blue Squadron. Likewise a Letter of the 5th of May concerning the Copy of a Memorial from M Du Noailles, regarding the Detention of a French Vessel called Le joli Coeur, in consequence of their Seizure thereof made on these Coasts by the Commander of the Perseus.
The Occasion that subsists for the Employment of experienced Officers to direct the different naval Services that may occur in the farther Prosecution of the War, induces me to hope their Lordships will think fit, upon the Removal of Sir Peter Parker, to continue the same Number of Commanders of Divisions on this Station. I have been even obliged to increase it at this time by the temporary Appointment of Captain [Walter] Griffith in that Capacity; As the Continuance of Commodore Hotham is absolutely necessary at this Port during my Absence.
The Particulars respecting the Cause for detaining the French Vessel are transmitted by this Conveyance. And their Lordships' Commands for the Appointment of John Taylor to the Station of Carpenter in the Mercury will be obeyed.
I am, with great Consideration Sir [&c.]
[Endorsed] 5 July 1777 New York Lord Visct Howe R 22d Augt (2 Inclosures)
