[New York] 9th Octr ー At half past 7 in the morning The Phoenix, Roebuck, and Tartar, weighed anchor, and having the advantage of the flood tide, and a brisk Southerly wind, stood up the North River, followed by three or four small tenders. As soon as the Rebels perceived them under way, they beat to arms and manned all their batteries on each side of the River. About 8 o'clock they began to fire very briskly at the Ships from both sides, but particularly from the batteries near Kingsbridge and immediately opposite. The Ships fired but little, and in about 3/4 of an hour had entirely passed those batteries without receiving any damage that could be observed by us. In their passage up, while we could see them, they drove about 20 sail of small craft before them, some of which they took. About 10 o'clock they were again fired on by Some of the Batteries up the River, but as they were then out of our sight, it was not known what the consequence was.

This movement is certainly connected with the general plan for the attack of the Enemy, and points out clearly that our operations are intended against Mr Washington's Army on this Island.