ay, of two nines, to the right
of all; Mr Conway, of two twelves, as flanking guns; the master of the
Fowey, of two nines, in front of the 43rd Regiment; while all the
batteries to the left were manned by seamen from the transports, under
the command of the agent. All the sea batteries were commanded by Mr
Robb, master of the Charon. Thus it will be seen that the Navy took a
very active part in the defence of the place.

26th.--The seamen's tents were to-day moved in front of the quarters of
the army, close to our batteries. This was done, as we were in
momentary expectation of being attacked by the enemy.

27th.--Our pickets were driven in, and the enemy advanced in order of
battle. The troops marched out to meet them, Lord Cornwallis being
resolved to give them battle; but they retired as we advanced, evidently
at that time not wishing to bring on the final struggle. Our army,
therefore, returned within the lines.

28th.--At noon the enemy appeared in front of our works, in force about
26,000. They extended the whole distance from the right to the left of
our lines, and a very formidable force they appeared. It was evident
that they wished, by their show of numbers, to strike terror into the
hearts of our men. They were mistaken, however, if such was their
object, for nothing could persuade our fellows that any one of
themselves was not equal to twenty Continentals or Frenchmen. It is
very well for the men to despise an enemy, and to feel sure that they
can thrash him; but officers, on the contrary, cannot have too much
respect for him, nor do too much to insure victory, or take too many
precautions to guard against surprise. A body of the enemy advancing to
reconnoitre in a ravine in front of my battery, I opened fire on them
till they rapidly dispersed.

29th.--Lord Cornwallis, having in vain, with his small army of 5000 men,
offered the enemy battle, and finding them intent on waiting their own
time to attack him on the left flank, moved this night with all the army
inside the works. He did not doubt but that, by acting on the
defensive, we should be able to hold out till the arrival of the long
and earnestly-expected fleet and army to relieve us. It is no
disparagement to the bravery of our little army to say that that succour
was most earnestly prayed for. A body of French horse and foot attacked
the German Legion, who had to retreat under the cover of a battery to
the left. I had again to open