From Thursday 24th to Thursday 14th August.
After leaving the Capes of Delaware, we were tossing about upon the Sea till this Evening, when we anchored off Cape Charles. Continual Calms or contrary Winds detained or drove us out of our Course. Many of our Horses perished; but the Troops in general were as healthy as could have been expected, in the immense Heat of this Climate. The Thermometer in the Shade and at Sea stood frequently at 84° and 86°. What must it have been upon Shore? — Three or four People died in our Ship of putrid & bilious Fevers, common in this Region of the World. — The Land at the Capes is very low: Not far from Cape Henry is the Dismal Swamp, a Mass of stagnated Waters & Mud of a vast Extent. These Swamps & Marshes render this Country so extremely unwholsome. . . .
1. Ambrose Serle Journal, HUL.