[Extract]
Sir,

... the Enemy were advancing to the Fort, on which I ordered the People into Boats and sent most of them to Fort Island,¹ spiked up all the Cannon we could not carry off, and set the Barracks & Bake House on Fire, but the Dwelling House some how escaped—We took off all the Amunition—I stayed myself with Cap^t Robeson of the Continental Brig² on shore for some more certain advice; about 12 o'clock the Enemy come on so close thro' a corn field that they were not more than 30 yards  from us, and began to fire on us before our Boat put off the shore, we returned the fire with 6 muskets we had on board, and a Guard Boat we had with us also fired on them, and all got off, one man only being wounded. I am now at Fort Mifflin and in Council of all the Cap^s of the Fleet, this Day they requested that Cap^t Blewer, Cap^t Massey & myself would remain here to act as Navy Board which I shall do. Two of our Galleys are reduced & laid by, the men having deserted. Last night Cap^t Montgomerys 1^st & 2^d Lieut^s & 6 Privates deserted,³ and I believe if they could get off, the People on board the whole Fleet would desert, for their spirits are quite sunk. The Enemy ships are now coming up to Billingsport. Your most H'ble Serv't,

Fort Mifflin, Oct^r 3^d, 1777.