Here the vessels did not meet them at the appointed time, & the neighboring militia collected under Major Davenport and attacked them. They were now in danger. They had gained the inner island, and the Americans were afraid of killing their friends. Nevertheless they kept up a cautious but constant fire upon the island and on the vessels. The large vessel could not approach near them on account of the shoal water and rocks &c, and the wind prevented the galley (armed sloop) for a long time. - Meanwhile Davenports party continued to

[page break] [margin: PAGE] fire, and a buttonwood tree which grew upon the island was filled with bullets. The galley at length got up, and being armed with swivels kept the Americans off and swept the bar (which makes across the mouth of the river just above the islands) with their fire - that is, grape shot. As the large vessel could not approach them, the Refugees swam their horses off to her, when they were taken on board. I have always heard that they took thirty six horses and thirty six prisoners. It was as late as 10 at night when they all reembarked. I have seen the Rev. Moses Mather walking in the road armed with a musket, and I have always have heard it said and believe that he sometimes took his arms into the pulpit. In those days the men always took their arms to church.

(which at low water is almost bare, so that a party may wade (cross) without difficulty to the islands.)