This passage it was determined to obstruct; and an armed schooner, called the Defence, fitted up for the occasion, was ordered to cover and protect a party which was employed to sink a number of hulks in that narrow strait.

This drew upon them the fire of the British.

It was returned by the "Defence", but with little injury to either side.

The garrison at Fort Johnson endeavored to take part in this little action, but the distance was too great for any decisive results from its fire.

Some of the shots took effect, but after a few rounds the fire was discontinued.
Meanwhile, the alarm was beat in Charleston, where the troops stood to their arms, and every heart throbbed with the expectation of a close and bloody fight.