in the boats, landing at every available
spot on the river, and foraging. On the following day detachments of
men were landed to assist the troops in throwing up works.

24th.--Foraging parties from the army and navy procuring fresh
provisions often having to take them by force, while the remainder were
employed on the works. It was an ominous circumstance that at no time
did the inhabitants offer a cordial welcome to any of our troops,
although to individuals they were often inclined to show courtesy and
kindness.

25th.--The Richmond sailed for New York, leaving the command of the
squadron to Captain Symonds.

26th.--I was sent to get off a schooner belonging to the enemy which had
been run on shore in a small creek. I accomplished my mission, and, she
being found a serviceable little craft, the commodore kept her as a
tender, and appointed me to the command of her.

27th.--The Bonetta was sent to anchor on the Shoe as advanced ship to
give notice of the approach of an enemy. I was employed with thirty
seamen in fitting out the tender.

28th.--While the army was employed as before on the works, they were
engaged in pulling down the houses in front of York Town, greatly to
their amusement, it seemed. Tackles were hooked on to the top of the
walls, and thundering down they came almost on the heads of the men.
The wonder was that numbers were not crushed beneath the ruins as off
they ran, laughing and shouting with glee at the havoc they had
committed.

29th.--The Guadaloupe and Express despatched to Charleston, and the
Loyalist sent to the Shoe to relieve the Bonetta.

30th.--A day of much excitement and no little anxiety. About noon the
Guadaloupe and Bonetta were seen standing up the harbour under all sail,
and soon it became known that they had been chased by a fleet of French
ships, consisting of twenty-six sail of the line, besides frigates,
fire-ships, bombs, and transports, who followed them to the mouth of the
harbour and captured the Loyalist within three miles of the town after a
most gallant resistance, her masts having gone by the board before she
struck her colours to the enemy. This fleet is commanded by the Count
de Grasse, and has come direct from the West Indies. Three of their
ships brought up at the mouth of the harbour, but the main body anchored
at Lynhaven Bay.

31st.--The enemy's forces have assembled at Williamsburg, about twelve
miles from York, under the command of the Marquis