of the Council of Safety, 1776. 123

River a Bout a mile, the depth of water (as I immagine) about
three fathom. The Island lays from the main about a hundred
yards. The water at low tide about knee deep where we
threw up a small Intrenchment. There is three pieces of
Cannon on Cherry field point (about a mile from the Fowey)
one a nine pounder one a four the other three I have another
on the South West side the river, the narrowest water between
the land and main, is a four pounder. I have about four
hundred men (half of which is well armed, the other but
poorly) placed on each side St. George's River. I have good
reason to think that with the force I have I can prevent the
Enemy's landing or plundering the Inhabitants. I yesterday
morning sent one hundred on the Island about half after two
o'clock. They marched silently through the Island 'till day
appear'd and then lay hid 'till they came from the ships to
water, the advanced party being rather eager was too soon
discovered and the whole Enemy ran to their boats, my people
then pursuing them with all speed and firing on them as they
were geting into their boats when our people say that they
killed three or four that they saw fall and several Wounded
and one taken prisoner. The Fowey then fired on them and
compelled them to retire after destroying their water casks
and filling up a well, the best on the Island (for they have no
springs) they returned to the main without loss. By the best
advice I can get from the Prisoners and many deserters the
whole fleet does not intend to stay here longer than those up
Potowmack conies down which they expect every day. Capt
Beal who was wounded in the first engagement is recovering
fast. I am &^c
Tho^s Price

N. B. I yesterday sent under a small guard for Annapolis
one Prisoner taken yesterday and three deserters one of
them an officer of Dunmores who made his escape with an
old man who is very sick and not able to travel. I believe
they are well pleased they have made their Escape. One of
them went from Annapolis who says Caton was Privey to his
and others going on board the Fowey while she lay there.
Please to pay this Express.

[Hooe to Council.]

Chingateague July 26^th 1776.
Gent. I did myself the honor of writing you on the 17^th
Inst by M^r Crockett. Some days after that time I purchased
about one "hundred hhds of Tob^o, 60 of w^ch I have actually
recei^d and since making the Purchase the whole of the Flour

Original.