Feby 1777. Friday 14th
Cape Henry SEBS Cape Charles NE½E from Shore 1 League at 7 AM Made Sail after a Vessel to Leward of us, fired to bring the Chace too four Six pounders & four Swivels, brought her too which proved to be the Betsey Sloop from St. ACruiz bound to Petersburgh, loaded with Salt, Joseph Frith Master, sent a Midn & 4 Men to take charge of Her. Fresh Gales & cloudy Wear at 3 PM saw a Sail in the NE Quar gave chace, at 6 fired to bring the chace too 3 twelve pounders, & one Six pr at 8 came up with the chace which proved to be the Hope Schooner from Plymo bound to Virginia, in Ballast & alittle Rum, Ephraim Bartlett Master, thought her not worth carrying, so set her on fire
1. PRO, Admiralty 51/311.