hat the request will be complied with. But whatever may be the result
of the communication from Gen. Cushing, you will be satisfied it is not
in our power to enter into any arrangement with you respecting her.

From yours, &c.

Isaac Williams, }
William Lord, } _Magistrates._
Alexander G. Smith, }
Joseph Smith, _Warden._
Geo. Hubbard,} _Burgesses._
Amos Denison,}

To this letter, Capt. Hardy replied verbally, that he should allow till
12 o'clock for Mrs. Stewart to be brought on board.[11] At this time the
principal part of three regiments of militia had arrived, and the town
was perfectly secure against a landing.

At 3 o'clock, the bomb ship commenced throwing shells into the town; and
being out of reach of our cannon, the General withdrew the militia,
excepting a guard of 50 men who were ordered to patrol the streets for
the extinguishment of fire, should any happen. The bombardment continued
till evening.

On Friday morning the bomb ship renewed her operations a little before
sunrise, while the Ramilies and Pactolus were warping in. At eight
o'clock the frigate opened her fire and was soon followed by the
Ramilies. At this time the cannon were ordered to be moved to the north
end of the town, where they would have been serviceable if an attempt
had been made to land under cover of the ships. This was a very
hazardous service, as the party would be entirely exposed to the fire of
the enemy. Volunteers in sufficient numbers instantly offered their
services; among whom were upwards of twenty of the Norwich artillery.
The command of the party was entrusted to Lieutenant Lathrop,[12] of
that corps. They marched to the battery and brought off the pieces
without the smallest accident; exhibiting all the steadiness which
characterises veteran soldiers.

This tremendous cannonade and bombardment continued till nearly noon,
when it ceased; and about four o'clock the ships hauled off to their
former anchorage.

During the succeeding night a large force was kept on guard, in the
expectation and hope that a landing would be attempted. The militia
during this afflicting scene discovered the very best disposition, and
were eager to take revenge of the enemy or sacrifice their lives in the
contest.

It may be considered miraculous that during the several attacks, while
so many were exposed to this terrible and protracted bombardment and
cannonade, not a person was killed, and