Cruizer Cape Fear 26 July 1775
Sir
I received by Mr Logie two Acts of Parliament restraining American Commerce, an Order of Council prohibiting the Exportation of Arms and Ammunition, General [Thomas] Gage's Proclamation, and an Account of the Action on the 17th June, which Governor [Josiah] Martin was very anxious for, as the People of South Carolina have a very different Account published and sent thro' Provinces, which has had a very bad effect on many of the People in the back Country; I don't learn that there is a least Prospect of a better disposition in the Province; they threaten me with an Attack, and have seduced most of the men from the Merchant ships now here to enlist on shore, giving a Bounty of near five Pounds sterling. If I am attacked my chief dependence is on Swivels and small arms, my Deck being so weak in some parts as I doubt whether it bear much firing even with the three Pounders, our heaviest Metal. I have sent a Seaman who I have borne for some days as a Supernumerary.
The Governor and Council have desired me (at a Council held on board the Cruizer) to raise and victual any of his Majesty's Subjects who may come to me for protection; many have waited till Opportunities to leave the Port. I hope you will approve of it, and be pleased to give me an Order for so doing.
I am &c
Defects of Sails and Rigging
The standing Rigging fore and aft unserviceable. All the sails much worn and decay'd and unfit for their proper Uses, except one fore topsail and one fore-topmast stay sail.
Cables Short ー |
Best Bower of 10½ inches |
one |
|
Small Bower of 10½ inches |
one |
|
St[r]eam Cables of 6 ins. |
one |
|
Hawser of 4½ |
one |
Pinnace and Cutter old and unfit for Service, and Boatswains Stores of all sorts wanted.
Defects of the Cruizers Hull: The footlines bad and two or three of the Beams. The Starboard Cathead sprung, some of the Deck very much worn. The Sloop very leaky under the Naval Woods, Rudder Irons very much worn, sides and Decks leaky, and Bottom very foul
F. P.