bject. Nothing, as it appeared, was less dreamt of by the
Americans than an attack from this quarter, consequently no
persons could be less on their guard than the party here
stationed. The officer who conducted the force sent against
them, found not so much as a single sentinel posted! but having
landed his men at two places, above and below the but which they
inhabited, extended his ranks so as to surround it, and closing
gradually in, took them all fast asleep, without noise or
resistance.

When such time had been allowed as was deemed sufficient for the
accomplishment of this undertaking, the flotilla again weighed
anchor, and without waiting for intelligence of success, pursued
their voyage. Hitherto we had been hurried along at a rapid rate
by a fair breeze, which enabled us to carry canvas; but this now
left us, and we made way only by rowing. Our progress was
therefore considerably retarded, and the risk of discovery
heightened by the noise which that labour necessarily occasions;
but in spite of these obstacles, we reached the entrance of the
creek by dawn; and about nine o'clock, were safely on shore.

The place where we landed was as wild as it is possible to
imagine. Gaze where we might, nothing could be seen except one
huge marsh covered with tall reeds; not a house nor a vestige of
human industry could be discovered; and even of trees there were
but a few growing upon the banks of the creek. Yet it was such a
spot as, above all others, favoured our operations. No eye could
watch us, or report our arrival to the American General. By
remaining quietly among the reeds, we might effectually conceal
ourselves from notice; because, from appearance of all around, it
was easy to perceive that the place which we occupied had been
seldom, if ever before, marked with a human footstep.
Concealment, however, was the thing of all others which we
required; for be it remembered that there were now only sixteen
hundred men on the mainland. The rest were still at Pine Island,
where they must remain till the boats which had transported us
should return for their conveyance, consequently many hours must
elapse before this small corps could be either reinforced or
supported. If, therefore, we had sought for a point where a
descent might be made in secrecy and safety, we could not have
found one better calculated for that purpose than the present;
because it afforded every means of concealment to one part of our