burnt, that she might not fall into the hands of the provincials.

The attack was therefore confined to the Bristol, Experiment, the three armed vessels, and the bomb-ketch, between whom and the fort a dreadful fire ensued. The Bristol suffered excessively. The springs on her cable being shot away, she was for some time entirely exposed to the fire of the batteries. As the Americans poured in great quantities of red hot balls, she was twice in flames.The captain (Mr. Morris,) after receiving five wounds, was obliged to go below deck in order to have his arm amputated. After undergoing this operation he returned to his place, where he received another wound, but still refused to quit his station: at last he received a red hot ball in his belly, which instantly put an end to his existence. Of all the officers and seamen who stood on the quarter deck of this vessel, not one escaped without a wound, excepting Sir Peter Parker alone; whose intrepidity and presence of mind on this occasion was very remarkable. The engagement lasted till darkness put an end to it. Little damage was done by the British, as the works of the Americans lay so low, that many of the shot flew over; and the fortifications being composed

of palm trees mixed with earth, were extremely well calculated to resist the impression of cannon. During the height of the attack, the provincial batteries remained for some time silent, so that it was concluded they had been abandoned; but this was found to proceed only from want of powder; for as soon as a supply of this necessary article was obtained, the firing was resumed as before. During this desperate engagement it was found impossible for the land forces to give the least assistance to the fleet. The American works were found to be much stronger than they had been imagined, and the depth of water effectually prevented them from making any attempt. In this unsuccessful attack, the killed and wounded on the part of the British amounted to about two hundred. The Bristol and Experiment were so much damaged, that it was thought they could not have been got over the bar; however, this was at last accomplished by a very great exertion of naval skill, to the surprise of the provincials, who had expected to make them both prizes. On the American side, the loss was judged to have been considerable, but was reported to be only ten men killed, and twenty-two wounded. Before morning, the ships had retired about two

H

miles distant from the island; and in a few days more, the troops re-embarked, and the whole sailed for New-York.

The Americans on this occasion justly boasted of their heroes. A serjeant, observing the flag staff shot away in the beginning of the action, jumped from one of the embrasures upon the beach, took up the flag, and fixing it upon a sponge staff, put it in its proper place, in the midst of the dreadful fire already mentioned. For this distinguished act of bravery he was presented with a sword by the Congress. Another, whilst exerting himself in a very distinguished manner, was cruelly shattered by a cannon ball: when about to expire, "My friends," said he, “I am dying, but don't let the cause of liberty expire with me.”

The thanks of Congress were given to General Lee, and also to Colonels Moultrie and Thompson, for their good conduct in this memorable action. In compliment to the commanding officer, the fort from that time was called Fort Moultrie.

This year also, the Americans, having so frequently made trial of their valour by land, became desirous of trying it by sea also, and of forming a navy that might in some measure be able to protect their trade, and do es

sential hurt to the enemy. In the beginning of March, Commodore Hopkins was dispatched with two ships, two brigs, and a sloop, to the Bahama Islands, where he made himself master of the ordnance and military stores; but the gun-powder, which had been the principal object, was removed. On his return he captured several vessels; but was foiled in his attempt on the Glasgow frigate, which found means to escape, notwithstanding the efforts of his whole squadron.

On the 4th of July, 1776, the representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, formally renounced all connection with Great Britain, and declared themselves INDEPENDENT. They also published a manifesto, stating a list of grievances, which, notwithstanding their repeated petitions, remained unredressed. For these reasons they determined on a final separation from the mother country; and to hold the people of Great Britain as the rest of mankind, "enemies in war, in peace, friends." The striking detail of injuries, the perspicuity of language and simplicity of style of this celebrated declaration, has drawn forth the admiration and respect of the learned of all nations.

This formal renunciation of allegiance to Great Britain, was followed by the greates

preparations for war throughout the United States.

Washington took every precaution for defensive operations, by erecting forts, and stationing troops at the most vulnerable points. The nature of the country was peculiarly favourable to defence. New-England, especially, presented many natural barriers, consisting of hills and mountains, intersected by rivers, and interspersed with trees, rocks, and precipices, several defiles, skirted by impenetrable woods, while majestic rivers, flowing with impetuous currents, seemed to preclude the invader.

By the indefatigable activity of Washington, the American army was well disciplined, and the best troops were collected at NewYork, where every accessible place was strengthened by fortifications.

General Howe resolved to quit Halifax, and proceed to New-York, where he intended to wait for the reinforcements from England. He sailed about the middle of June, and at the end of the month arrived at Sandy Hook, a point of land which stands at the entrance of a large body of water formed by the confluence of several rivers, and which is surrounded by New-York, Staten, and Long-Islands.