by John Marshall

“ We gain ground daily. If we can complete the trench to-night, for two batteries of four guns each, I think, with the mortars, to bring the governor to his senses. The difficulty is, to get the workmen to stand a little fire. July 27th, 2 p.m. – The French sent out this morning, in their usual way, demanding protection for the patriots; I answered, inadmissible, and offered the terms of St. Elmo, and to include Gaieta in the capitulation. They desire until to-morrow morning, to hold a council. July 28th, – I have the honor to enclose your lordship a copy of the capitulation. ”

“ As there is no dependence to be placed on the metal of the Neapolitan mortars, I submit to your lordship if we had better get our 10-inch sea mortars fitted in land beds. Pray lend us all the spades and iron shovels from the ships; the tools those country people have, work too slow for us. ”

“ Our battery was finished by four o’clock yesterday afternoon, but I did not think it advisable to open until this morning, at half-past three o’clock. After three rounds from the guns and mortars, I sent Hallowell to propose the terms your lordship directed. They answered,they could not surrender, and hardly believed that St. Elmo was taken: nothing but the sight of Mejan’s signature could make them believe it. Our batteries are again opening; but the powder is so bad, that the shells hardly breach; many fall short, though not above three hundred toises ”