[Long Island Sound] 5th Decr The wind increased considerably last night, and we went about 6 knots an hour. under topsails only. It blew very fresh this morning at N.W.

At day break being nearly off Seabrook, we saw Sir Peter Parker's Squadron at anchor under the Long Island shore, with thier yards and top masts struck. At sunrise Commodore Hotham saluted him with 13 Guns, which was soon after returned with the like number. Immediately after this, our fleet stood over to the Connecticut shore, and about 12 oClock anchored off Seabrook, which stands at the Mouth of Connecticut River. The last ships of the fleet were at anchor by 3 o'Clock. Fresh wind at N.W. Soon after our fleet appeared, Sir Peter Parker's Squadron began to set up their yards and topmasts. About 12 o'.Clock they weighed, and about Sunset they anchored near us..

The above Squadron consists of the Chatham, Asia, Preston, Centurion, Experiment, Renown, Emerald, Sphynx, and ; — also the Grand Duke [of Russia] transport, with the 54th Regiment on board.

The wind abated towards night.

Some of our ships are anchored within less than a mile of the Shore. Very few people appear there. Many Cattle and Sheep are feeding along shore, and every thing appears perfectly quiet. In the Evening some few people, who seemed to be attracted by curiosity alone, came down to the shore, without arms.

A Signal having been made in the afternoon on board The Admiral, for all Masters, they returned soon after with a paper containing the order of Sailing to be observed by the Fleet. ²

Besides the ships of War mentioned in the form of Sailing, the Carysfort, Mercury, Rose, & Kingsfisher are with the fleet, and are emp!oyed in Cruizing, or other services.

Lieut Knowles's transports have. on board The Light Infantry, Grenadiers, and 3rd brigade.

Lieut Parry's, the 5th brigade,

Lieut Dickenson's — The Hessians, and

Lieut Sutherland's, the Light Dragoons, The Artillery, Stores, &c. &c.