December 1776 Saturday 7th
Eastermost of Rhode Island in Sight NE at 6 AM weighed & came to sail in Company with the Fleet; at 10 the Commodore made a Signal to clear Ship for Action, & for the Stemmost Ships to make more Sail, washed the ship with Vinegar. Ditto Weather [Modt breezes & clear Wear] At 2 PM cleared Ship for Action, at 4 PM Anchd p Signal from the Commodore, the Chatham brought a Brigg too coming out of Rhode Island bound to North Carolina, took her in custody
1. PRO, Admiralty 51/311.