On the Morning of the 4th Instant, I gave you a short Account of our Brush with the Phoenix and Rose Men of War, off Tarry-town, on Saturday last. Give me now leave to add thereto the following remarks:

The Force with which we were to attack these Ships being entirely inferior to theirs, our Dependence, under Providence, was to find them, or force them, into such a Situation as they could not bring their Broadsides to bear upon our Gallies; and indeed in this Situation the Phoenix was, about twelve Hours before we got up to her, being at that Time fast aground; but before we could reach them, both Ships were entirely clear, with Springs out upon their Cables, and their Broadsides ready to engage us. Let me observe here that this was not at any Time the Case with the Frigates that were attacked by our Gondolas at Philadelphia; which makes all odds: For had the Tide or the Channel prevented the Phoenix and the Rose bringing Springs upon their Cables and their Broadsides to hear, our Gallies would, no doubt, have managed them in our River without much Difficulty. But our gallant Commander was determined to exchange a few Shots with them at all events. The Enterprize was worthy a People contending for their dearest Rights: For it is a Fast that the Ground-tier of even one Side of the Phoenix, was equal to all the Force of our Gallies put together. Judge then ー let the World ー let our Enemies judge, if the Sons of Connecticut and Rhode-Island, from which States our Gallies were almost wholly officered and manned, did not behave with a Spirit and Intrepidity becoming the Descendants of such noble Ancestors, in fighting, for two Hours, an Enemy of at least four Times their Force. ー O! ye despicable ministerial Bawlers! ー it could only have entered into such servilly dastard Souls as your own, to believe that the brave Americans were Cowards.

We expect e'er many days to have another strike at them upon a more advantageous Footing; when I hope to give you a more pleasing Relation. To [ha]ve six Galleys within the Distance of Grape Shot from the Broadsides of a British Frigate and a Ship of the Line, for the Space of two Hours, and to loose but two Men, is highly deserving our Admiration and Gratitude. All our wounded Men, except one, are likely to do well. I have been to see them and find that they are taken the greatest Care of. The Commanders of the galleys are anxious to finish this Business, so as to join you at New-York before any Attack may be made there.