Journal Kept by Officers of the Continental Navy Brig Cabot, Captain Joseph Olney, March 23, 1777

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Salem, March 24 [23], 1777²

At 1 P.M. weighed anchor and came to sail, the wind variable from S. E. to W. S. W at 4 P. M. were clear of the land; at 6 P. M. Cape Ann bore N. N. W. distant 7 miles. We were in company with two armed brigs, belonging to the Massachusetts-State, called the Massachusetts and Tyrannicide, commanded by Captains Fisk and Harriden At 10 P. M. saw a ship standing to the westward: Capt. Fisk being a-head, brought too, and spoke us, asked Capt. Olney what he thought of her? Capt. Olney told him he thought she was an English cruizer. Capt. Fisk asked what was best to be done? Capt. Olney replied, the best thing we could do, was to get in readiness, and go down and engage her, which they agreed to. Capt. Olney said he would go down and lay upon her bow, if they would lay on her quarters. Captains Fisk and Harriden thought it best to lay by her till morning; we hauled upon the wind, under easy sail; Capt. Olney ordered the brig ready for engaging.

1. Providence Gazette, April 26, 1777. The journal is preceded by the following:

To the Printer of the Providence Gazette. By publishing the following Account of the loss of the Brig Cabot, lately commanded by me, and the Result of a Court of Inquiry had thereon, you will oblige Your huinble servant. Joseph Olney.

2. Journal was being expressed in sea time. The events described actually took place during the afternoon and evening of March 23.

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1777 March 23

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