To divert attention from their situation, the other vessels drew as near to Fort Mifflin as they could, and opened a cannonade; but the obstructions in the river had so altered the channel that they could not get mthinver}- effective distance They kept up a fire upon the fort throughout the evening, and recommenced it early in the morning, as did likewise the British batteries on the Pennsylvania shore; hoping that under cover of it, the ships might be got off. A strong adverse ^\•ind, however, kept the tide from rising sufficiently to float them.

The Americans discovered their situation, and sent down four fireships to destroy them, but ^nthout effect. A heavy lire was now opened upon them from the galleys and floating batteries. It was warmly returned. In the course of the action, a red hot shot set the Augusta on fire. It was impossible to check the flames. All haste was made with boats to save the crew, while the other ships drew off as fast as possible to be out of reach of the explosion. She blev/ up, however, while the second lieutenant, the chaplain, the gunner, and several of the crew were yet on board, most of whom perished. The Merlin was now set on fire and abandoned ; the Roebuck and the other vessels dropped down the river, and had kept up a brave defence against batteries directed by the enemy on the Pennsylvania shore. A reinforcement of \%ginia troops made the garrison between three and four hundred strong.