Francois de Fleury's Journal
3 [November 1777]. For two days past we had suspected that the Enemys Vessels made different turns in the course of the night to the Augusta's wreck1—either to carry off the Cannon which the Galleys had neglected throwing into the water, or taking possession of, or to tow off the Hulk—but they had a more important object which they have been permitted to execute without interruption—and this morning's daylight discover'd to us their two nights' labour—they are raising a battery of heavy Cannon upon the hulk which is aground on the sand bank, the Galleys do not disturb them in their work, which if they finish it, will do great injury to our Fort—where you know there is no Shelter for the Troops—it is important to drive them from that particular spot of the River, and thirteen Galleys with two floating Batteries may do it if they please.
As we are in want here of Joist, Pickets, Palisades, and even Earth, and as it is impossible to fortify a place with water unless one has means to stop it—I went yesterday with 20 men to endeavour to get wood on the Jersey Shore, but I could get only a few Pickets, of which I shall make palisades, if I am permitted to use them according to my Ideas.
When His Excellency approved my Zeal and my remaining at Fort Mifflin in quality of Engineer, he did not give me an order to act in that capacity, and I can only advise without being heard. While Baron Arendt was present he understands the Military Art, and my Opinions in point of fortification were his—but he is absent,2 and you know there are persons who know a great deal without having ever learnt—and whose obstinancy is equal to their Insufficiency. However I do not complain of anyone, I confine myself only to observing that my Zeal for your Cause cannot be useful unless I am permitted to display it, in a branch which I have studied, on a spot with which I am well acquainted, by my own Remarks, and those of many other Engineers skilful and accurate men.
Honour commands me to do everything in my power. I hope to do my Duty in whatever way I am made use of—and to die in the breach if necessary—but I will observe only that I thought myself employ'd in a different capacity from that of a Grenadier.
Engineers of Independence