ld again form part of it. A few guesses as to the
probable success of future attempts alone relieved this topic,
and now and then a shot from the schooner drew our attention to
ourselves; for though too far removed from the river to be in
much danger, we were still within cannon-shot of our enemy. Nor
was she inactive in her attempts to molest. Elevating her guns
to a great degree, she contrived occasionally to strike the wall
of the building within which we sat; but the force of the ball
was too far spent to penetrate, and could therefore produce no
serious alarm.

Whilst we were thus sitting at table a loud shriek was heard
after one of these explosions, and on running out we found that a
shot had taken effect in the body of an unfortunate soldier. I
mention this incident because I never beheld in any human being
so great a tenacity of life. Though fairly cut in two at the
lower part of the belly, the poor wretch lived for nearly an
hour, gasping for breath and giving signs even of pain.

But to return to my narrative. As soon as he reached the camp
Sir Edward proceeded to examine with a soldier's eye every point
and place within view. Of the American army nothing, whatever
could be perceived except a corps of observation, composed of
five or six hundred mounted riflemen, which hovered along our
front and watched our motions. The town itself was completely
hid; nor was it possible to see beyond the distance of a very few
miles either in front or rear, so flat and unbroken was the face
of the country. Under these circumstances little insight into
the state of affairs could be obtained by reconnoitring. The
only, thing, indeed, which he could learn from it was, that while
the vessels kept their present station upon river no advance
could be made; and as he felt that every moment's delay was
injurious to us and favourable to the enemy, he resolved to remove
these incumbrances and to push forward as soon as possible.

With this view nine field-pieces, two howitzers, and one mortar
were brought down to the brink of the stream as soon as it dark.
Working parties were likewise ordered out, by whom was thrown up
opposite to the schooner; and having got all things in readiness,
at dawn on the 26th a heavy cannonade was opened upon her with
red-hot shot. It was not long before we could perceive her crew
hastening into their boats, whilst the smoke which began to rise
from her decks proved that the balls had take