Moored off Norfolk in Virginia

Modr & fair Wr  at 11 A M I took the Command of his Majestys Ship Mercury and put Captn [John] McCartney under Arrest in Pursuance of an Order from Vice Adm [Samuel] Graves dated the 11th August 1775  found the People Empd getting the Iron Ballast & Bread out of a Sloop along side every thing having been put out of the Ship to lighten her when drove on Shore the 2d Instant