November 15th.—In the morning early our batteries renewed their fire. The 32-prs. at my wharf annoyed their boats and galleys and did much damage to the fort. The morning is fine, the wind moderate and fair. Our men-of-war approach close to the chevaux-de-frise; all the rebel galleys go from Red Bank and attack them, but are obliged to retire. The ships, our batteries, all are pouring a constant and well-directed fire into the fort. The blockhouses are entirely demolished. Several explosions in the fort. They seem to be in the greatest distress and confusion. They have made signals for assistance. A number of boats go to them through our fire. About 12 o'clock the Vigilant appeared, instantly brought to in her station, and began to fire on the fort. The sloop¹ drew up in her place and kept a constant fire. It was a glorious sight. On one side of the fort was to be seen a number of galleys, floating batteries and ships keeping a constant fire on our ships; on the other side, all our batteries, the Vigilant and sloop pouring in a tremendous fire on the fort, and from the men-of-war a no less vigorous fire was directed into the fort and at their galleys. At length, after firing on both sides without intermission the whole afternoon, the galleys, floating batteries and xebecs all moved away. The fort seemed to be totally in pieces; necessary orders were given to storm in the morning. Before dark six or seven of the rebel galleys rowed up towards the fort as if to attack our ships again, but we soon perceived that they had some other intention. They collected at the wharf on the other side Mud Island, and we concluded that they were either landing more troops or taking off those that were in the fort. They were in this situation about an hour, small boats also passing and repassing between the fort and Red Bank. Our cannon here did much execution in both galleys and boats for they were quite exposed. The fort at this time was totally silenced. The night brought on a cessation of firing, except now and then a few shot and shell from our battery. About 12 o'clock at night we were all surprised to see the fort in flames, and to all appearances every part of it seemed to be on fire. We now concluded the rebels had quitted it at the time the galleys were lying at the wharf, leaving only a small party to destroy it. It burnt very fiercely all night.