When Prevost commenced his retreat, and the troops were moving from island to island, the occasion seemed a fair one for attacking it.

Only eight hundred men, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Maitland, defended it; but a large corps still lay on the island.

To prevent these troops from supporting those on the main land, General Moultrie, who commanded in Charleston, was ordered to pass over a body of militia into James's island, who should amuse the enemy in St.John's, while a real attack should be made on the post at the ferry.

About seven in the morning, General Lincoln commenced this attack with about one thousand men; and continued it with great spirit, until he perceived that strong reinforcements were crossing over from the island; when he called off his troops, and retreated, unmolested, to his old ground.
General Moultrie had been unable to execute that part of the plan which devolved on him.

Boats were not in readiness to convey the men into James's island, and consequently the feint on St.John's was not made.
The loss of the Americans, in killed and wounded, amounted to twenty-four officers, and one hundred and twenty-five privates.