.OTkx.NjQwNzg

within the last Five Years, nor is it believed that the arches on which they stand woud now resist the Shock produced by their frequent discharges. The Bridge which used to be a draw bridge, and promised the greatest security to the fort is now made permanent, the Gates, are of wooden material, and by no means impregnable, The Barracks are at least a mile from the fort, The regular force it is said, does not exceed 150 men, of which Number 80 may be fit for actual service, The Fort daily mounts a Guard of Sixteen men. The only officer of any merit, is a major who lodges, in a House adjacent to the Fort. The militia of the Town is unclear at 80 -- Men unclear Island 37. The whole Effective Strength may be calculated at 500. The Fort might easily be taken by surprise, if the Government required it, and in my opinion without Bloodshed. Of American Troops on this Station comprizing, Artillery, Cavalry, and Infantry there are about 210 Men. 9 Gun Boats manned with about 25 men each upon an average, The field ordnance consist of 2 Brass Cp.. the heavy Artillery destined for the Station, some no further than Savannah, another Evidence of bad management, and no coasting vessel have tackling sufficiently strong to take them in, or out, so that in the event of their use being indispensably necessary in this Quarter, a vessel must be stationed for the express purpose who might as well have landed them here at first. Since I commenced writing this letter the Melancholy accounts of the loss of Gun Boat N 2. has reached me from Ft Marys.