ch was the first serious
proof we had that there could scarcely be many friends of ours at
Boston; and we were too far embayed to retreat, especially as the
wind had died away, and the tide of flood not half expended. After
each of the vessels had twice run aground, we anchored at George's
Island, and prepared for action; but the Annabella by some
misfortune, got aground so far astern of the George we could expect
but a feeble support from her musketry. About eleven o'clock four of
the schooners anchored right upon our bow, and one right astern of
us. The armed brig took her station on our starboard side, at the
distance of two hundred yards, and hailed us to strike the British
flag. Although the mate of our ship and every sailor on board (the
Captain only excepted) refused positively to fight any longer, I have
the pleasure to inform you that there was not an officer,
non-commissioned officer, or private man of the Seventy-First but
what stood to their quarters with a ready and cheerful obedience. On
our refusing to strike the British flag, the action was renewed with
a good deal of warmth on both sides, and it was our misfortune, after
the sharp combat of an hour and a half, to have expended every shot
that we had for our artillery. Under such circumstances, hemmed in as
we were with six privateers, in the middle of an enemy's harbor,
beset with a dead calm, without the power of escaping, or even the
most distant hope of relief, I thought it became my duty not to
sacrifice the lives of gallant men wantonly in the arduous attempt of
an evident impossibility. In this unfortunate affair Major Menzies
and seven private soldiers were killed, the Quartermaster and twelve
private soldiers wounded. The Major was buried with the honors of war
at Boston.

Since our captivity, I have the honor to acquaint you that we have
experienced the utmost civility and good treatment from the people of
power at Boston, insomuch, sir, that I should do injustice to the
feelings of generosity did I not make this particular information
with pleasure and satisfaction. I have now to request of you that, so
soon as the distracted state of this unfortunate controversy will
admit, you will be pleased to take an early opportunity of settling a
cartel for myself and officers.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, sir, your most obedient