June 1776 Tuesday 11
Sandy Hook No 77W Distce 79 Leagues at 4 A M Close Reeft the Topsails at 5 Saw 2 Sloops and a Brig in the SE Qr, out all Reefs and made Sail, at Noon found we could not come up with the said Vessels, gave over Chaceing. Moderate and fair Convoy in Campy2 Saw 2 Sail in the S E Qr at 6 in 2d Reefs of the Topsails, made the Signal for the Convoy to come under our Stern at 9 sway'd the lower Yards up, gave Chace and Cleared the Ship for Action, Loaded the Guns with round and double headed Shot, Burnt two false Fires and made the Signal to the Chace, supposing her to be a Transport, Fir'd a Gun to bring her too, out all Reefs and made Sail, at 9 Fired Guns at her after which She soon was out of sight, at 10 gave over the Chace, Fir'd 2 Guns for the Convoy to Ware.
1. PRO, Admiralty 51/600.
2. Ibid., the Mercury had sailed from Sandy Hook on June 6, bound for Halifax and convoying three prizes taken by H.M.S. Phoenix.
