Major Robert Magaw
to Brigadier General Horatio Gates1
I wrote to you on the 17th Inst that no Alarms or appearances of immediate danger had been in this place for some time past Since the 8th Instant when Capt [John] Lindsey [Linzee] Commander of a Sloop of War threw a number of Shot into the Town — the Inhabitants have remained unmolested
on Saturday ev'ning last [August 19] a Man of War & a Tender appear'd off this Harbour we expected an Attack Yesterday they bore away for the Eastward & disappeared — the Inhabitants have nearly completed a small Fort to mount 6-9 Pounders their Spirit seems equal to their Abilities
We have neither Blankets nor Shirts with us some of our Men are sick owing I believe to want of Covering in the Night I have the Honor &c.
Rifle Batn Cont Service