that their
artillery could be elevated to a surprising degree, and the shot rise
even to the summit of the hill. The guns were then stuffed, rather
than loaded, with grape and musket-balls; and the ships, taking their
stations according to their draft of water, the lightest keeping
nearest to the enemy's shore, set sail, and, favoured by a leading
breeze, stood leisurely down the river.

As soon as they arrived within tangible distance, a brisk
cannonade was opened upon them from the heights, and the whole of
the infantry appeared in line along, the brow of the eminence.
Regardless of these formidable salutations, the ships continued
to hold their course without changing their order or returning a
shot, till they reached the base of the hill upon which the
infantry stood, and received a volley of musketry into their
decks. Then, indeed, they answered the fire; and with such
effect, that at the first broadside the enemy's guns were
abandoned, and their infantry took to flight. The Americans had
persuaded themselves that no ship could point her guns so as to
sweep the top of the hill; and under this idea had drawn up their
troops along the ridge, with the intention of overawing the
squadron by a display of their numbers. But in the event they
found themselves mistaken, for so well had Captain Gordon
arranged matters, that not a single shot fell under its mark; and
as the ships' artillery had been loaded for the occasion, a
shower of balls of every size and description came amongst them,
such as it was impossible to withstand. A single broadside was
sufficient to secure the safe passage of his squadron; but with
this Captain Gordon was not contented. Seeing the enemy driven
from their cannon, he immediately landed his marines, spiked the
guns, and blew up the expense magazines; when, having received
them all safely on board again, he continued his voyage, and
regained the Chesapeake without further molestation.

Nor was this the only operation in which the navy were employed.
Cruising about in every direction, they threatened the whole line
of coast, from the entrance to the very bend of the bay; and thus
kept the Americans in a constant state of alarm. Whenever a
favourable opportunity presented itself, parties landed,
plundered or destroyed the Government stores, laid towns and
districts under contribution, and brought off all the shipping
which could be reached. In a word, the hostilities carried on in
the