are, and from the previous occurrences of the war had been taught to
look with contempt on British prowess. The regulars in most instances
behaved admirably, and nothing could surpass the bravery of the officers
of all ranks. This their greatest enemies could not deny; but the
militia were of a very different stamp, and the men, unable to depend on
each other or their officers, on several occasions fairly turned tail
and ran away. I fancy that most of our opponents on the present
occasion were of that class. We stood on till we reached a spot about
fifty yards from the enemy's entrenchments, a little below Blackwell's
Island, where the squadron dropped their anchors, and calmly furled
sails. There we lay for some time without exchanging a shot, expecting,
however, that some hot work was about to be commenced. The glasses of
the officers were in the meantime constantly turned towards the small
islets in the direction of Long Island. At length Captain Hudson
uttered an exclamation of satisfaction.

"They come! they come!" he cried out, and as he spoke a flotilla of
boats were seen emerging from among the tree-covered shores of Bushwick
Creek. They formed the first division of flat-bottomed boats, having on
board a force of 4500 men, under the immediate command of General Howe.
Slowly and steadily they advanced, like some huge black monsters
covering the blue surface of the tranquil and hitherto peaceful Sound.
The drum now beat to quarters.

"Now my boys, if so be you want to punish them poor savinges as has been
beguiling you, your time's soon coming," growled out old Nol, as the
crew were hurrying with alacrity to their guns.

The only person whose countenance showed no satisfaction was Mercer.
Pale as death, he stood at his post over his division of guns; but I saw
that he would rather have died a hundred deaths than engage in the work
he felt it was his duty to perform. From my heart I pitied him. There
was but little time, however, for thinking of that or any other matter.
On came the flotilla of boats. Not a shot had as yet disturbed the calm
tranquillity of the scene. A thin, gauze-like mist was spread over the
distant portions of the landscape. The hot sun struck down on our
heads; the blue expanse of water glittered in his bright rays, and the
sea-fowl skimmed over it, dipping their wings ever and anon, as if to
refresh them in the liquid element. Everything still wore an aspect of
perfect peace.