July 20 [1776]
In the Afternoon had the Acct of Genl
Lee's having defeated the Ministerialists
at
South Carolina both by Sea & by
Land under Genl Clinton &
Admiral Parker the
Engagement by Sea lasted
for 6 Hours and was important as
the Ships came to an Anchor very Nigh
a large Fort the Fort did them great
Dammage, destroyed a 36 Gun Ship
greatly damaged two capital Ships
So that they are unfit for Service
killed great Numbers of the Men
& drove them off- at the Same time
Enemy's Land forces were repulsed
in endeavouring to Advance to
Attack the Rear of the fort while the
Ships were playing upon them in
front.
the Enemy threw great
Numbers of Shot at our fort from
their Ships and a large Number
of Shells from a Bomb Ketch the
Bombs did little damage & the whole
of our loss was no more than 10
killed & 22 wounded-- The Genl
gave (Lee)
gave applauded his
Officers & Men in the highest Lang=
-uage for their good Conduct &
bravery in the Action--