[On board H.M. Sloop Swan]
July 1st [1776] morning foggy wind SE Thermometer 78 noon. P M near five o'clock the Fleet stood up to the Narrows. Ev Thunder Lightning rain.
July 2d Therm 78 no tidings from the fleet.
July 3d The Augusta tender dispatched this morning to learn the Event of the Fleet sailing. Thermometer 68. A sloop from Shrewsbury with refugees anchord under the Swans stern. Captn Ayscough invited them aboard and receivd them most kindly. Some of them appeard of good condition and among them a half pay retired officer Capt Morris of the 47th Regt being 58 in number also P M 3 Gentlemen from Perth Amboy. All agree in opinion of the present Tyrrany and oppression from the officers authorizd by the Continental and Provincial Congress who hunt catch and imprison all that are suspected of Attachment to the King and British Parliament. The Amboy Gentlemen say that yesterday G[eneral] Howe landed a detachment on Staten Island who were joind by 300 Inhabitants which obligd the Rebels to retreat and that 100 Riffle men but not true had joind the Kings troops.
July 3d [sic 4th] Noon Thermometer 72. Evening the Tender with Lieut Dowie and the Shrewsbury People went up to the Admiral and General.
1. Thomas Moffat's Diary, LC.
