Septr 1776 Monday 30
Going into Halifax Harbour at 2 AM fird 2 guns for signal for anchorg 8 Do anchd in [lo] fm abreast of the Town ー anchd here 2 of the Prizes, found riding here H. M Ship Rainbow, Lark, and Viper, at 10, Arrd the other 2 Prizes, one of which ran a ground, sent the Pinnace to assist her, getting down F topmast, being sprung. First part strong Gales, and Squally, middle and latter modr and Cloudy, PM empd getting down the F Topmast, and getting another up.
1. PRO, Admiralty 51/548.