Dear Gen^l, 

I have in the first place to Acknowledge my fault in not writing before, but when I Acquaint you it was Occasioned thro' the Multitude of business I flatter myself you will pass it by— 

I am now to Acquaint you that I had the pleasure yesterday to see the British Sloop of War King fisher and the two Galleys¹ all in flames at One and the same Instant. it was a Glorious Sight, more Especially to See the Joy that appeared in every Countenance on the Occasion, even the Ladys where heard to say it was the pleasantest Sight they ever saw—the Affair was truly this—yesterday forenoon I rec^d. a letter from the Officer Commanding On Board the French Frigates² in Seconnett passage,³ that he was determined to destroy the British Vessells above yesterday Afternoon and desired that I would give him Assistance by Field pieces On the Shore, in Order to keep the Galleys out of Shoal Water, on this side the River, which I Accordingly did and just as we got abreast of them when they were drawn up in line of Battle with all their Canvas Spread, they set themselves on fire and were all in flames in an Instant—the French frigates⁴ then Coming up the River at the distance of two leagues, they fought a very Considerable battle after they were On fire by firing their Cannon altho it was not very regular yet they Seem determined to do Execution as they fired plenty of Grape Shot—I am, Sir [&c.]