380 THE SERVICES OF LIEUT.-COLOHEL FRANCIS DOWNMAN, R.A. 
September 15th. —We are informed that a number of transports 
have arrived at Halifax from England, having on board the 70th, and 
two highland regiments, the Duke of Hamilton’s, and the Duke of 
Argyle’s highlanders, the former 1,000, the latter 1,100 men. 
September 16th. —Admiral Byron of the Blue, in the Princess 
Royal of 90 guns, and the Culloden of 74, Captain Balfour, arrived off 
the Hook, but not getting pilots to bring them in went for Rhode 
Island. 
Our advanced new corps at King’s Bridge under Simcoe, Emerick, 
and Tarleton, surprised a body of 150 Virginian riflemen, killed and 
wounded many and took 33 prisoners, among them three officers ; our 
loss only one horse. We are informed of a riot happening at Boston 
between some British and French sailors. The former were sup¬ 
ported by some townspeople, Comte d’Estaing’s son was killed and 
he himself wounded in attempting to quell it. Mass is celebrated in 
one of the churches which causes unspeakable murmurs among the 
conscientious people of the place. Mr. Washington has left the White 
Plains, the scarcity of provisions it seems having obliged him to move. 
September 22nd. —A strong detachment of our army of 7,000 men 
under Lord Cornwallis crossed over to Paulis Hook to make an ex¬ 
cursion. Another party from Kingsbridge of 5,000 under General 
Knyphausen have also gone out, and a party from Staten Isle likewise. 
The intention or destination ol these several parties are a profound 
secret. 
Lord Howe in the Eagle left this place for England. He is made 
a Vice-Admiral of the Red. The navy are much concerned at his 
leaving them. He is undoubtedly an excellent officer, notwithstand¬ 
ing matters have not turned out so well as we could wish respecting 
the French fleet. 
Admiral Byron it seems is to command the fleet he brought out 
with him as a fleet of observation, and Gambier is to direct all naval 
affairs. 
September 27th. —A fleet of victuallers sailed for Ireland. Governor 
Johnstone 1 has gone to England; he is out of the commission. 
September 29th. —We have the following account from our army in 
Jersey. Our commander having information that 700 rebel militia 
were cantoned in the neighbourhood of Hackinsack, a little after 11 
o’clock on Sunday night, ordered the troops to march, but two soldiers 
deserting gave notice of our approach, so the enemy pushed off and 
our intention was frustrated. However, we were more successful in 
another object. The 2nd light infantry, the 71st regiment, and the 
Queen’s rangers who had passed the Hudson river at Dobb’s Ferry, 
were engaged in it. There they fell in with the 3rd Virginian bat¬ 
talion, a cavalry regiment distinguished by the appelation of Washing¬ 
ton’s guards, consisting of 110, originally 180, very well appointed 
cavalry with extremely good horses. Our troops dashed upon them 
1 Governor Johnstone, who had been a strenuous advocate in the British Parliament for the 
rights oFthe Am3ricau3, wa3 accused of trying to bribe members of Congress hj means of private 
letters, he therefore resigned. 
