The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a letter from Major General LEE to the Hon. EDMUND PENDLETON, Esq; dated CHARLESTOWN, June 29, 1776.

"Yesterday, about 1 o'clock, the enemy's squadron, consisting of
one 50, one 40, and 6 frigates, came to an anchor before fort Sullivan,
and began one of the most furious cannonades I ever heard or saw. Their
project was apparently at the same time to land their troops on the east
end of the island. Twice they attempted it, and twice were gallantly
repulsed. The ships continued their fire on the fort till 1 at night. The
behaviour of the garrison, both men and officers, with Col. Moultrie at
their head, I confess astonished me. It was brave to the last degree. I
had no idea that so much coolness and intrepidity could be displayed by a collection of raw recruits as I was witness of in this garrison. Had we been better supplied with ammunition, it is most probable their squadron would have been utterly destroyed: However, they have no reason to triumph. One of their frigates is now in flames, another lost its bowsprit, the commodore and the 40 gun ship had their mizzens shot away, and are otherwise much damaged. In short, they may be said, in their first essay on South Carolina, to have been worsted; but I presume they will make another attempt.

Our loss is 10 killed, 22 wounded, 7 of whom have lost their legs or arms. The defences of the fort have received no injury; only one gun dismounted. I shall write, when the affair is finished, a more accurate relation to your Convention, and to the Congress. In the mean time I think it but justice to publish the merits of Col. Moultrie and his brave garrison. Col. Thompson of the South Carolina rangers acquitted himself most nobly in repulsing the troops who attempted to land at the other end of the island. I know not which corps I have the greatest reason to be pleased with, Muhlenberg's Virginians, or the North Carolina troops: They are both equally alert, zealous, and spirited. The frigate that was on fire is this moment blown up."