A naval and military expedition, against the Southern Colonies, having sailed from England, they did not reach the first object of their instructions until the beginning of June. The squadron under Sir Peter Parker, after passing the bar, moved against a newly raised Fort on the South West point of Sullivan's island, which was deemed the key to Charlestown, while the Army, under Sir Henry Clinton, advancing against it by land, and crossing a supposed shallow creek on the North Eastern extremity, was to make a combined attack. Upon the noon of the 28th of June the ships took their stations, and commenced a furious cannonade, which was returned with equal spirit and much effect from the fort. Erroneous intelligence, as to the depth of water, it appears, prevented General Clinton from approaching, as well as the very formidable state of the provincial redoubts at the end of Sullivan's island. After one of the hottest conflicts that almost ever occurred, in which the cool valour of British Seamen was eminently conspicuous, the squadron withdrew with the loss of a frigate, and upwards of 200 Seamen and Marines killed and wounded. Captains Morris and Scott, of the Bristol and Experiment, were both considered as mortally wounded, after extraordinary displays of personal courage. Commodore Sir Peter Parker approved himself a brave man upon this trying service. During the summer of 1776, the Congress of America, unwilling to attach to itself the responsibility of an arbitrary declaration of independance, published a circular address to every Colony, in order to ascertain their general sentiments, upon so eventful a topic. The 4th of July must long stand as a memorable day on our political epochs, as having been marked by their formal renunciation of allegiance to the British Crown. General Howe continued at Halifax upwards of two months waiting farther reinforcements, which was but ill suited to his disposition, or his military opinions. Wearied out, he at last put to sea, under the escort of Lord Shuldham's fleet, and arrived at Sandy-hook at the close of June. After gaining information of the strength of New York and Long Islands, he judged it most advisable to occupy Staten Island, where he landed without opposition, and was soon joined by a number of loyalists. It was a considerable time before the different reinforcements from England reached Halifax, which immediately proceeded to join the main Army, and enabled General Howe to undertake duties more extensive in their aim, and more congenial to his wishes. Upon that range of continental services which followed, I am precluded from remark, as the battalions of my corps were restrained from much active participation in them, by their having been allotted for the defence of Nova Scotia. A Parliamentary Vote of 10,129 Marines passed in November, which involved an augmentation of many companies to the Establishment for the service of 1777. FOOTNOTE: