The Virginia Gazette

Some particulars of the proceedings of the American fleet at the island of New Providence, in a letter from the Captain of marines on board the ALFRED, dated New LONDON, April 10, 1776.

"THE 17th of February we left Cape Henlopen, and after a very pleasant passage of 15 days came to anchor off the island of Abacco, about 17 leagues distant from New Providence, where we brought to several small vessels belonging to Providence, which gave the Commodore an opportunity of inquiring into the state of the island, as to its defence, and found it very well supplied with warlike stores, and an object worthy of our attention, as it was not sufficiently manned to give us opposition. The vessels we then had in our possession were detained as transports, to carry the marines over to Providence. We embarked, and made sail Saturday evening the 2d of March, and on Sunday, at 2 o'clock, landed all our men (270 in number) under my command, on the east end of the island, at a place called New Guinea. The inhabitants were very much alarmed at our appearance, and supposed us to be Spaniards, but were soon undeceived after our landing. Just as I had formed the men I received a message from the Governor, desiring to know what our intentions were. I sent him for answer, to take possession of all the warlike stores on the island belonging to the Crown, but had no design of touching the property, or hurting the persons, of any of the inhabitants, unless in our defence. As soon as the messenger was gone I marched forward to take possession of fort Montague, a fortification built of stone, about half way between our landing-place and the town. As we approached the fort, within about a mile (having a deep cove to go round, with a prodigious thicket on one side, and the water on the other, entirely open to their view) they fired three 1 pound shot, which made us halt, and consult what was best to be done. We then thought it most prudent to send a flag, to let them know what our designs were in coming there. We soon received an answer, letting us know that it was by the Governor's orders they fired. They spiked up the cannon and abandoned the fort, and retired to the fort within the town. I then marched and took possession of it; in which were found 17 pieces of cannon (32, 18, and 12 pounders) not much damaged. They were spiked with nails and pikes, which are easily taken out. I thought it necessary to stay all night and refresh my men, who were fatigued, being on board the small vessels, not having a convenience either to sleep or cook in. The next morning by day-light we marched forward to the town, to take possession of the Governor's house, which stands on an eminence, with two 4 pounders, which commands the garrison and town. On our march I met an express from the Governor to the same purport as the first. I sent him the same answer as before. The messenger then told me I might march into the town, and, if I thought proper, into the fort, without interruption; on which I marched into town. I then draughted a guard, and went up to the Governor's and demanded the keys of the fort, which were given to me immediately, and then took possession of fort Nassau. In it there were 40 cannon mounted, and well loaded for our reception, with round, langrel, and canister shot. All this was accomplished without firing a single shot from our side. We found in this fort a great quantity of shot and shells, with 15 brass mortars; but the grand article, powder, the Governor sent off the night before, viz. 150 casks. Immediately after we were in the fort, I sent for the Governor, and made him prisoner until the Commodore arrived, which was soon after. We remained at Providence till we got all the stores on board the fleet, and took our departure the 17th of March. We have brought with us, from Providence, the Governor, his Secretary, and one Mr. Ervin, Receiver General of his Majesty's Customs, who belongs to South Carolina."