1778 Augst Monday 10th
Block Isld. West Distce. 3 Leags. at 4 am struck the F.T.Gt.Mt. & Mizn.T.Mt. to Reeve Sigl. Halliards, at 9 heard a heavy Cannonade in Rhode Isld. Harbour—Do. the Adml.1 made Sigl. for Fire Ships to Prime Do. for the Fleet to weigh Do. to Cut or Slip, Do. Slipped the Sm: Br. Cable & made Sail ½ past 9 the Adml. made Sigl. to from the Line of Battle on the Starbd: Tack, at 11 Commdr. Hotham made our Sigl. to make more Sail, but not being able to make any more the Pearl2 took us in Tow—forming the Line— the French Fleet standing out of Rhode Isld. Harbour, Empd. Priming the Ship & other necessary work—
Sandy Hook N84Wt Distce. 72 Leags First part Modte. & hazy, middle & latter fresh gales with Rain. at 6 PM the Adml. made the Sigl. to alter the Course 2 Points to Port, at 8 the Body of the F. Fleet NBE. at 11 handed T.Gt.Sl.
D, UkLPR Adm. 51/4385, fols. 3–4.
1. Vice Admiral Viscount Howe.
2. H.M. frigate Pearl, Capt. John Linzee.