July 3rd, about Ten O Clock AM three large Menofwar came up through the Narrows with two Tenders, they came to an Anchor, Against Stratton [Staten] Island, about 12 o Clock ー

After those Ships appeared this side the Narrows A Signal was Hoisted, two Guns fired from the North Battery, and the whole Army was immediately under Arms, ready to Receive them About 5 O Clock P, M. the Ships was under Way and moved up Slowly fired several Shots on the People on Stratton Island ー

General [Israel] Putnam with a Detachment of 5 or 6 Hundred Men is gone on to Long Island in order to prevent the enemys Landing

this sudden alarm put the Citizens in the greatest confusion they are moving out of Town as fast as Possible

I conclude almost all the sloops and Craft that Lay about the Town are gone up the Rivers (North and south)

About 6 o Clock two Ships come through the Narrows, up to the other Ships ー

About half Past Sevin O, Clock About 43 Sail come through the Narrows and joined the rest of the Fleet

July 3rd, after the Ships hove in sight, our People on Stratton Island drove of[f] about 400 Head of Cattle; soon after that the enemy Landed, and is Reported that took about 30 of our Men ー

July 3rd, at Night it is Reported that some Tory Shot one of our Sentries, supposed with white Powder, he was Shot through the ancle

July 3rd, at Night it is Reported that there was an Officer (Supposed to be a Captain) took Prisoner by our People, besides the other Regulars ー

July 3rd, at Night A Schooner went Up by Stratton, our People went up with two 12 pounders and fired so that they Left the Sloop but had not a boat of her