On the 4th of Novr the Command boat was sent with Provisions to a small party which had been posted at Chepodia [Shepody] to interupt deserters and to cutt off their communication from Machias thro. the River Petiwtiak [Petitcodiac] to this Province.  The People in the boat first discovered the Enemys being in the Country immediately return'd with an information which they received from the Inhabitants, that on the 25th Octr a Number of boats from the Westward with about Two hundd Men, includg near fifty Indians, Surrounded and took that Detachment of the Regiment and carried them to Machias.

The remainder of this body of the Enemy dividing themselves into three Divisions, two of which went to stop the Communication from Cumberland to Halifax, the other up the river Cocan [Cocagne] and Merimiche [Memramcook] to collect Indians and others

The Transport Sloop with our Winters provisions and Stores that arrived into this Harbour the 25th Octr under Convoy of the Juno, which soon after sailed got into Cumberland Creek, near the Garrison. A Night Guard was placed for her protection, and spies sent out in the Country to reconitre but they not returning about the time they were expected and hearing various reports of the Enemy from the Country People, the Guards were Augmented and the whole Garrison employ'd to complete the Works, and put the fortification in as respectable a situation as time and circumstances woud admit.

1. "Extract of a Journal. The Proceedings at Fort Cumberland on the Isthmus of Nova Scotia, during the late investment and attacks on the Fortress by the Rebels." PRO, Colonial Office, 217/53, 1-2, DAC Photocopy. Hereafter cited as Proceedings at Fort Cumberland, PRO, Colonial Office, 217/53, DAC Photocopy.