Stationed just offshore, the HMS Cruizer would fire upon the abandoned fort whenever any Patriots showed themselves. On March 10th, Capt. Francis Parry sent an officer and eleven men to destory the fort, but they were driven back by Patriot forces, without any loses to either side. Since Capt. Alfred Moore was stationed at Ft. Johnston during this period, he and his men were certainly involved in this engagement. It is very probable that a small faction of the Brunswick County Regiment of Militia were also at Ft. Johnston throughout 1776.

Reinforcements arrived on March 12th when General Sir Henry Clinton's fleet arrived off the Cape Fear River. His fleet had been scattered after sailing through very rough weather from New York. However, upon learning of the Loyalist defeat at Moore's Creek Bridge, General Clinton decided not to land any of his troops on North Carolina soil because it would be too dangerous. He would eventually have to, however.

1st NC Regiment detachment of one (1) known company led by Capt. Alfred Moore.

Brunswick County Regiment of Militia detachment, led by Unknown with unknown number of men.

Capt. Francis Parry - HMS Cruizer, with 60 men and 12 guns

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