_His Britannic Majesty's ship_ PACTOLUS, _9th of August, 1814, halfpast 5 o'clock, P. M._ Not wishing to destroy the unoffending inhabitants residing in the town of Stonington, one hour is given them from the receipt of this, to remove out of the town. T. M. HARDY, _Capt. of H. B. M. Ship_ RAMILIES. _To the Inhabitants of the Town of Stonington._ From the date of this communication it will appear that Commander Hardy was himself on board the Pactolus to direct the attack; the _Ramilies_ then laying at anchor at the west end of Fisher's Island. The people assembled in great numbers to hear what was the word from the enemy; when the above was read aloud. The enemy in the barge lay upon their oars a few moments, probably to see the crowd and if some consternation might not prevail. Whatever effect was produced, this we know, that Sir Thomas's "unoffending inhabitants" did not agree to give up the ship, though threatened by a force competent, in a human view, to destroy them, when compared with the present means of defence in their power. It was exclaimed, from old and young, _We will defend_. The male citizens, though duly appreciating the humanity of Sir Thomas, in not wishing to destroy them, thought proper to defend their wives and their children, and, in many instances, all their property; and we feel a pleasure in saying that a united spirit of defence prevailed, and, during the short hour granted us, expresses were sent to Gen. Cushing at New London, and to Col. Randall,[15] whose regiment resided nearest to the scene of danger. The detachment stationed here under Lieut. Hough was embodied; Capt. Potter, residing within the Borough, gave orders to assemble all the officers and men under his command that could be immediately collected. They cheerfully and quickly assembled, animated with the true spirit of patriotism. The ammunition for our two 18-pounders and 4-pounder was collected at the little breast-work erected by ourselves. The citizens of the Borough, assisted by two strangers from Massachusetts, manned the 18-pounders at the breast-work, and also the 4-pounder. One cause of discouragement, only, seemed to prevail, which was the deficiency of ammunition for the cannon. This circumstance, however, together with the superior force arrayed against us, did not abate the zeal for resistance. Such guards of musketry as were in our power to place, were stationed at different points on the shores. In this state of preparation we waited the attack of the enemy. About 8 o'clock in the evening they commenced by the fire of a shell from the bomb-ship, which was immediately returned by a shot from our 18-pounder. This attack of the enemy was immediately succeeded by one from three launches and four barges, surrounding the point, throwing rockets and shot into the village.