direct the attack; the _Ramilies_
then laying at anchor at the west end of Fisher's Island. The people
assembled in great numbers to hear what was the word from the enemy;
when the above was read aloud. The enemy in the barge lay upon their
oars a few moments, probably to see the crowd and if some consternation
might not prevail. Whatever effect was produced, this we know, that Sir
Thomas's "unoffending inhabitants" did not agree to give up the ship,
though threatened by a force competent, in a human view, to destroy
them, when compared with the present means of defence in their power. It
was exclaimed, from old and young, _We will defend_. The male citizens,
though duly appreciating the humanity of Sir Thomas, in not wishing to
destroy them, thought proper to defend their wives and their children,
and, in many instances, all their property; and we feel a pleasure in
saying that a united spirit of defence prevailed, and, during the short
hour granted us, expresses were sent to Gen. Cushing at New London, and
to Col. Randall,[15] whose regiment resided nearest to the scene of
danger. The detachment stationed here under Lieut. Hough was embodied;
Capt. Potter, residing within the Borough, gave orders to assemble all
the officers and men under his command that could be immediately
collected. They cheerfully and quickly assembled, animated with the true
spirit of patriotism. The ammunition for our two 18-pounders and
4-pounder was collected at the little breast-work erected by ourselves.
The citizens of the Borough, assisted by two strangers from
Massachusetts, manned the 18-pounders at the breast-work, and also the
4-pounder. One cause of discouragement, only, seemed to prevail, which
was the deficiency of ammunition for the cannon. This circumstance,
however, together with the superior force arrayed against us, did not
abate the zeal for resistance. Such guards of musketry as were in our
power to place, were stationed at different points on the shores. In
this state of preparation we waited the attack of the enemy. About 8
o'clock in the evening they commenced by the fire of a shell from the
bomb-ship, which was immediately returned by a shot from our 18-pounder.
This attack of the enemy was immediately succeeded by one from three
launches and four barges, surrounding the point, throwing rockets and
shot into the village. This also was returned as often as, by the light
of the rockets streaming from the barges, we could dis