This obliged me to shift my quarters, and keep as private as possible, till the 27^^ ot that month, when General Howe defeated the rebels on Long Island, which set me and many others at liberty.

On Sunday, the 1 5th of September, General Howe, with the King's forces, landed on New York Island, four miles above the city; upon which the rebels abandoned the city, and retired toward King's Bridge, which joins this island to the continent. Early on Monday morning, the 16th, I returned to the city, which exhibited a most melancholy appearance, being deserted and pillaged. My house was plundered of everything by the rebels. My loss amounts to near 200/. this currency, or upwards of 100/. sterling. The rebels carried off all the bells in the city, paxtly to convert them into cannon, partly to prevent notice being given speedily of the destruction they meditated against the city by fire, when it began. On Wednesday, I opened one of tlie churches, and solemnized Divine service, when all the inhabitants gladly attended, and joy was lighted up in every countenance on the restoration of our public worship; for very few remained but such as were members of our Churcli . Each congratulated himself and others on the prospect of returning peace and security; but alas! the enemies of peace were secretly working among us.

Several rebels secreted themselves in the houses, to execute the diabohcal purpose of destroying the city. On tlie Saturday following an opportunity presented itself; for the weatlier being very dry, and the wind blowing fresh, they set fire to the city in several places at the same time, between twelve and one o'clock in the morning. The fire raged witli the utmost fury, and, in lis destructive progress, consumed about 1000 houses, or a fourth part of the whole city.