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Cochrane arrived yesterday. I have only to repeat what I said in my letter of the 3rd, that nothing but a direct move to York River, which includes a successful naval action, can save me. On the evening of the 9th the enemy opened their batteries, and have since continued firing without intermission with about forty pieces of cannon, mostly heavy, and sixteen mortars from eight to sixteen inches. We have lost about seventy men, and many of our works are seriously damaged. With such works, on disadvantageous ground, against so powerful an attack, we cannot hope to make a very long resistance
I have, &c.,
P.S. Since my letter was written we have lost ninety men. Oct. 12, 7 P.M. — Last night the enemy made their second parallel within 300 yards. We continue to lose men very fast.
- Charles Cornwallis
- Source:
- Correspondence of Charles, first Marquis Cornwallis, Vol I, Charles Ross, Esq., London, 1859
