[On board H.M.S. Eagle] Sunday, 14th. July.
An excessive hard Rain, prevented going on Shore this Day, and we had no divine Service on board. Mr. [Samuel] Reeve, our first Lieutenant, returned from Amboy this Afternoon, whither he had been sent yesterday by the Admiral [Howe] with Dispatches, addressed to the several Governors in North America, notifying his Arrival and the Objects of his Commission, and inclosing a Declaration to be published by them in their respective Colonies. This was a prudent and decent Way of acquainting the People of America, that the Door was yet open for Reconciliation; for it was expected, they would have the Curiosity to read the Inclosures, which were dispatched under a flying Seal, being their Interest & Concern more than that of the Governors. Mr. Reeve breakfasted with [Hugh] Mercer, the American Commander, who behaved civilly, yet rather dryly. They had very coarse Fare, which the American noticed, but added, they had Plenty of Necessaries, and did not wish for Luxuries. The Lieutenant [Reeve] very properly replied, that it was very happy for those who had not them not to wish for them.
Mr. [Philip] Brown, another Lieutenant, was dispatched with a Flag of Truce to Washington at New York. He was stopped by three Boats at a little Distance from the Town, demanding his Business. Upon being told that he had a Letter from Lord Howe to their Commander, they ordered him to lay to, while one of the Boats went to the Shore for Directions. In a short time, three officers came off, and desired to know to whom the Letter was addressed. They would not touch it, but begged the Lieutenant [Philip Brown] to read it. As the Address was, To George Washington Esq. &c. &c. &c. they said, there was no such Person among them, and therefore would not receive it. Upon being asked what Address they required, it was answered, that "all the World knew who Genl. Washington was since the Transactions of last Summer."...
This Evening a Gentleman came on board from New Jersey for Protection.
The Ships, we heard, are safe about 7 or 8 Miles above the Town.
