with their then ſucceſs, they fired off two guns from that fort, and let off ſeveral ſky-rockets, as ſignals to their friends. This was likewiſe the firſt notice the inhabitants had of the attack, which was immediately announced, by firing an alarm gun, and beating to arms in the town.
Then was to be ſeen, viſibly, the moſt poignant diſtreſs: the helpleſs women and children running, ſhrieking and crying through the ſtreets; ſome of the women with their infants in their arms, others with ſuch things of value as they could carry; the negroes terrified, running here and there,—all was, for a time, conſufion, hurry, dread, and diſmay, none knowing where to fly for ſafety from the invading enemy.
The ſituation of the white women and their children was, at that time particularly, pitiable; for, deprived of the protection of their
