[Extract]

Dear General, The last night the fire-ships and row-galleys made an attempt upon the enemy's ships, which lay at anchor up the river. The fire ー ships were well conducted; the armed schooner was grappled and burnt; the Phoenix was grappled for about ten minutes, but got herself clear. The Lady Washington galley and Independence were conducted with great judgment and bravery. I wish I could say that the other galleys did any thing at all.² The Phoenix either slipt or cut her cable; the Rose was left alone, and it is thought might have been taken. I was an eye-witness to the whole; and from the confusion wliich was apparent, I am confident that if an attempt should be made on the fleet below, and but one or two ships set on fire, their confusion would be beyond description.