The Materials with which Fort Sullivan is constructed form no inconsiderable part of its strength. The Piemento Tree, of a spungy substance, is usd in framing the Parapet & the interstices fill'd with sand. We have found by experience that this construction will resist the heaviest Fire. ー The Passage between Long Island & Sullivan's Island was represented as fordable at Low water, but this representation was founded in a mistake, there remain'd therefore no method of crossing but in Boats under the Fire of the enemys Cannon & breastworks. The Ships were prepard for the attack upon the 14th of June which was prevented by contrary winds till the 28th.

In this interval the enemy form'd strong entrenchments and mounted some peices of Heavy Cannon on the East end of Sullivan's Island to command the passage ー it therefore became impracticable for us to cooperate with the ships as originaly intended. ー Yet, in this situation of affairs, Sr P: Parker conceiving the force of the Ships adequate to the reduction of the place, on the morning of the 28th made the Signal for the attack. ー The Judgment, The Spirit, the conduct of Lt Riddle who commanded the Experiment after Capt Scot [Alexander Scott] had lost his arm, the whole Squadron is in a great measure indebted to for its preservation. For any further particulars relative to this affair and for the motives which determin'd the Commodore to make the attack in which he knew he could receive no assistance from the army, I must refer you to accounts from other hands ー

From this account it appears ー that it would have been highly imprudent in the Land Forces to have attempted the passage; ー That Sr P: Parker knew at the time of his making the attack that they did not intend it, and yet had made no preparations to possess himself of the Fort, which otherwise he might have done during the time that the Fire was silencd, and the enemy had abandon'd it. ー

[Endorsed] Attack upon Fort Sullivan. June the 28th 1776