For two days past we had suspected that the Enemys Vessels made different turns in the course of the night to the Augustas wreck—either to carry off the Cannon which the Galleys had neglected throwing into the water, or taking possession of­ or to tow off the Hulk—but they had a more important object which they have been permitted to execute without interruption—and this mornings daylight discover'd to us their two nights labour—they are raising a battery of heavy Cannon upon the hulk which is aground on the Sand bank, the Galleys do not disturb them in their work.—which, if they finish it, will do great injury to our Fort—where you know there is no Shelter for the Troops—it is important to drive them from that particular Spot of the River, and thirteen Galleys with two floating Batteries may do it if they please....

[November] 3^d. night.—

a considerable number of the Enemys boats, pass'd and repass'd in the course of the night, near the Shore of Province Island—it appears that this Communication between their Fleet and Philadelphia is established, and what will surprise you per­haps, is that it is a sure one, there being no Interruption on our part—we cannot cannonade them from the Fort, the Shade of Trees prevents our being informed of their passage otherwise than by the noise of oars, and firing at Sounds would be wast­ing pretious Amunition—