On September 3 , he proceeded down the Potomac in a Gig closely followed by his fireships and barges , the latter being manned with 60 marines armed with muskets and swords .
Rodgers had previously improvised his fireships at the Washington Navy Yard .
On September 3 , Rodgers proceeded down the Potomac in a Gig closely followed by Rodgers ' fireships and barges , the latter being manned with 60 marines armed with muskets and swords .
Rodgers had previously improvised his fireships at the Washington Navy Yard .