Notwithstanding one of the sentries had not been told of the expedition or had misunderstood the Order which had been given to him, and had resolutely disregarded the entreaties for silence which had been made, and had discharged his musket, giving an alarm, the enemy does not appear to have been disturbed ; and the three floats ran up to the place appointed for the landing, without serious opposition, and at the appointed time. But, there, a new and entirely unlooked-for obstruction was encountered. The orders were that the float which contained the three commanding Officers should run ashore, between the other two ; that the two Majors should jump ashore, one to the right and the other to the left,

1 Memoirs of General Heath, 62, 63.

and take command of the men who were on those two outside floats, respectively, while Lieutenant-colonel Jackson should retain the command of those who were on the central float ; and that the three parties should act in concert. The Officers and those who were on the central float sprang ashore, as they were expected ; received and repulsed a charge which the enemy's guard made on them ; but failed to receive the slightest support from those who were on the other two floats, who, instead of landing, sullenly " lay upon their oars." The enemy seeing that disaffection, rallied, and returned to the charge, with great spirit; and the Americans, those from the central float, finding themselves deserted, returned to their own float, with heavy loss ; and the entire expedition withdrew from the island -- whether the fourth float, on which were the Artillery and which was intended as a covering party, performed any service, is not now known, as nothing whatever has been said of it, in the narrative of the encounter and retreat.