Decemr 1775 Thursday 14
Elizabeth River [off Norfolk] AM Received Bread on board. Sailed hence the small Craft. Moderate & fair Weather. The Rebels came into the Town of Norfolk. at 7 PM they fired several Rifles at the Ship. Sailed [ ] a the Earl of Dunmore. The People at quarters all night
Friday 15
First & middle parts fine Weather latter little Wind PM anchor'd here the Kings Fisher. Exercised great Guns & small Arms.
Saturday 16
AM hove short on the Best Bower. Sent a Flag of Truce on shore; at Noon it returnd. at same time sent a boat on board of [the] Salt Brig with some People in order to get her under Way Variable Weather at ½ past 4 came to sail. Boats employd towing down Elizabeth River at ½ past six anchord off the watering place with the Best Bower in 4 fathom water Veered to ⅓ of a Cable.
Sunday 17
at 10 AM the Rebels fired at a boat going up the River. Fired 2 Six pounders which made them desist from firing. Received water on board Squally Weather Employd setting up the Rigging Received water on board ー
Monday 18
Sailed hence the Kings Fisher for Crany Island Squally Weather at 3 PM came to sail at 4 anchor'd a'breast of the Town [of] Norfolk as did the Betsey armed Sloop Veered away & moored Best Bower to the Nd small to the Sd sent our boats & cut away a Ship from the Wharf sent a Flag of Truce on shore to the Rebels. made the signal to [call] in all Cruizers at 5 Anchord here the Kings Fisher. The Flag of Truce return'd, cleard Ship. All hands at quarters.
Tuesday 19
Hove taught our Spring & brot our Broadside to bear on the Town. Variable Weather.
Wednesday 20
AM Received 3 Puncheons of water on board. Sailed hence the Betsey Tender with a Pilot for the Liverpool Frigate which had just [Arri]v'd from England with an Ordnance Brig for this place ー Fresh Breezes & cloudy Weather.
Thursday 21
AM Received Wood & Water on board. Anchord here his Majestys Ship Liverpool with an Ordnance Vessel.
1. PRO, Admiralty 51/663.