At Single Anchor off Frederica Island—

AM Rece'd the following Information by the Return of the Boats —

At the first dawn of day the Gallies¹ were perceived about a Mile & Half from the Hinchinbrook. Advancing down the Creek, it was then Calm and a Strong Ebbtide Running, and having Approach'd within the Point Blank Range of their Shot came to Anchor, and begun a heavy Cannonade upon the Hinchinbrook; Rebecca & watering Brigg, the Circumstances of the Weather and tide Rendering it Impossible for the Hinchinbrook to Advance towards the Gallies, (her Guns which were four Pounders were useless,) In this Situation the Vessels Lay near an hour & half Exposed to a very Galling fire, still Hoping that a Breeze of wind would Spring up to Enable them to Stem the tide & Board the Gallies, but it still Continuing Calm their rigging much disabled & one of their Boats sunk, it became Necessary for them to Move their Birth, they therefore weighed their Anchor and Dropt Lower down the Creek the Gallies following them and Kept up a Constant fire, but taking Great Care Never to Approach nearer the Hinchinbrook than the Range of their shot. In this Manner the Hinchinbrook, Rebecca, & Brigg Continued Droping down Anxiously Waiting the turn of the tide or a favourable wind, and having Proceeded about a Mile, all three Vessels Most unfortunately Got a ground at the same time, the tide still Running very Rapidly down the Creek, rendering all the Effects to get them afloat useless, or even their Broad sides to the Stream. The Gallies Instantly Perceiving the Situation of the Vessels, and taking advantage of it, Advancing with all speed to get Possession of them. In this Critical Moment no time was to be lost the Least delay would have Made them all Prisioners. they had therefore no Alternative but to Abandon the Vessels & retreat in their Boats which with Great Difficulty they Effected & Returned to the Galatea. At 11 AM unmoor'd, Weighed and came to Sail out of the Inlet. at Noon Anchored in 8½ f^m. about a mile & half from the Entrance. The Hinchinbrook and Rebecca's People Victualled onboard this Day the latter Returned in their Boats to S^t. Johns—  

At Single Anchor of Frederica Island—

Fresh Breezes and Cloudy W^r. at 6 [PM] Shifted our Berth. Guard Boats Emp^d during the Night.