11th July.—At 2 o'clock p.m., the French fleet, consisting of twelve two-decked ships and three frigates, anchored at the back of the Hook.¹ At this time we had only the Preston, Somerset, Nonsuch, St. Albans, Phænix, Roebuck. The Eagle, Trident, Ardent, Isis, and Richmond were anchored a little below the Narrows. At five, the Eagle and the ships with her joined those at Sandy Hook; the whole force then collected consisted of six 64-gun ships, two fifties, and the Experiment,² two forty-fours, and two or three frigates. These were drawn up in order at the Hook to receive the French fleet. Our ships in general were but very indifferently manned, owing to sickness and their being short of complement.