This morning early, Sir Peter Parker in the Bristol, with the Experiment & Roebuck, and several Transports, appeared in the offing; and a little after Noon came up & saluted the Admiral [Howe]. The Bristol has lost her main & mizen Masts in the affair at Charles Town, and is much shattered about the Stern. We have now a gallant Fleet here, consisting of the following Ships:

Besides Sloops, Bombs, Fireships, armed Vessels, &c. The whole Fleet consists of about 350 Sail. Such a Fleet was never seen together in America before; wch is allowed on all Hands.

We had a great formal Dinner on board this Day. Our Company consisted of Genl. [Leopold von] Heister, two other Hessian Generals, with their respective Suites, Lord [Hugh] Percy, Genl. [William] Howe, Ld. [Charles] Cornwallis, Genl. [James] Grant, Admiral [Molyneux] Shuldham, Sir Wm Erskine, Col. Sheriffe [William Sherriff], Sir Peter Parker, Lord Wm. Campbell, Lord Dunmore, Commodore Hotham, and many other officers of the Fleet & Army, to the number of 34 Persons. They all expressed great Satisfaction at their Entertainment, which indeed was worthy of the truly noble Personage who gave it.

In the Evening, the Syren came in from the South, with several Transports under her Convoy.