Naval Documents of The American Revolution, Volume 1 ... - Ibiblio

AUGUST 1775 1165
ceeded a week on this Duty and were to have been relieved on the 31st when to
my great astonishment, I was informed they had been all cut off just after Day
Light. The inclosed Account from the Midshipman who commanded the Long
Boat will shew more particularly how this Affair happened. As the Light house
Island with 30 men was judged capable of being defended against 1000, it was
extremely unfortunate the Party of Marines made so little resistance, for in less
than half an hour a great Reinforcement arrived: but I am sorry to say it
appears to me the Party were intent only upon escaping, although the Marine
Officer was at the Reduction of Belle Isle and accounted a brave and experienced
Officer.
Captain [John] Robinson of the Preston happened the night of the 30th.
to have the Boats of the Squadron endeavouring to get at and destroy some
Whale Boats, secreted in a Wood near the Water Side; this Scheme failed, but he
arrived time enough to chase the Whale Boats across the Lighthouse Channel to
Hull Beach, from whence he brought away two of them and Lieut. Colthursts
Body. Seven Artificers having got away from the Rebels, after being landed
on the Main were brought off in one of the Boats, with Captain Robinson; Two
more escaped in the Long Boat. But two wounded Marines out of the whole
Party were not taken, one of whom is since dead of his Wounds.
The Merlin anchored the 2d instant in the Lighthouse Channel from a
Cruize
On the 5th. his Majestys Ship Fowey arrived from Virginia and brought
fifty two men for the Squadron, many of them very indifferent. I ordered Captain
[George] Montagu to place his Ship between Charles Town and Boston,
but I shall send her to Halifax as soon as I can put another in her place.
On the 6th. his Majesty's Sloop Kingsfisher arrived with a Vessel having on
board 20 head of Cattle seized in the Sound on the restraining Act. They have
been since condemned in the Admiralty Court at Boston. By Captain George
Montagu I received a Letter from Lord Dunmore Governor of Virginia (a Copy
of which and of my Answer is inclosed) exhibiting complaints of a very serious
nature against Captain [John] Macartney of his Majesty's Ship Mercury and
referring me to Captain Montagu for Particulars. I inclose also Captain Montagu's
upon my requiring him to inform me of such Facts relative to Captain
Macartneys Misconduct as had come to his knowledge. Conceiving it therefore
unsafe to the Command of his Majesty's Ship any longer with Captain Macartney
I ordered the Kingsfisher to Virginia, and have sent Lieut. [Alexander] Graeme
in her with Directions to put Captain Macartney in Arrest, and to bring the
Mercury forthwith to Boston. The Kingsfisher accordingly sailed from hence
the 14th instant.
A Tender belonging to the Rose came in the 6th instant, and I received
from Captain [James] Wallace a Parcel of Rebel Letters taken from two Men
who came lately from Philadelphia and were going in a Boat to Providence. I
transmit Copies of three of them, the rest are chiefly written on domestick & trading
subjects.