January [1777] Saturday 4
Cape Henlopen S85W diste 7 Leagues AM at 3 Wore Ship. ½ past 6 saw a Sail to the SE. and gave chace. at 8 boarded the Sloop [she] proved to be the Betsey from Hispaniola, bound to Philadelphia. [Vari]able Wear PM close reefd topsails. Saw a Sail in the SE Quarter. Out all reefs and gave chace. at 6 split the Foretopsail, at 8 In 1st reef Maintops! bent Fore Do and bent another
Sunday 5
AM, out 2 and 1 Reefs Main & 1st Fore sail, at 8 Saw 2 Sail to Windward & one to the Southward. [Vari]able & hazey with Sleet. PM His Majs Ships Perseus & Camilla join'd us. At 5 shortened sail the land bearing from W. to NNW. 2 or 3 Miles. at 9 made Sigl and Tack'd [sou]nded from 12 to 8, then 9, 10, 11 & 12 fm
Monday 6
AM Sounded from 4 to 13 fm at 6 the Camilla out of sight, at 8 saw a Sail in the SW quarter & gave Chace. ½ past 9 taken all aback. Fell overboard and was drown'd Wm Williamson Mariner. brot to the Chace which prov'd to be a Schooner from Messasippi 2 bound to Philadelphia. Joined company with the Roebuck.
1. PRO, Admiralty 51/674.
2. Little John, a recapture, carrying lumber and staves, Howe's Prize List, May 22, 1777, London Gazette, July 8 to July 12, 1777.
