Embark'd on board the Friendship 497 Tons Capt Lumly about one o'Clock in the morng²

Sunday 15th June

Mrs Seive & Miss Turvin came on board, & at 12. A.M. we sail'd, at half past one came to anchor at the entrance of Hell-Gate opposite Hollett's Cove the wind not permitting us to go through, the Country on both Sides beautifully romantic, there is a Channel on each side Blackwell's Island, we went the West Channel whilst a Sloop which was ahead of us went the Eastern one; We hope soon to reach Rhode Island after we pass Hell-Gate; In the Evening, finding our situation dangerous, on account of the strong Current, we weigh'd Anchor & went back (stern foremost) about two Miles,where we anchor'd in Kipsey's Bay & lay till—

Monday 16th June

When we weigh'd at 12. A.M. and got through Hell-Gate (a difficult & dangerous passage, being in some parts very narrow & winding, unless taken at a proper Time which is slack Water) about ½ past one& came to Anchor opposite Flushing Bay, near the Niger, who was to be our Convoy; In our way we pass'd Bahama, or Barren Island, Montresor's Island & the two Brothers (Islands so call'd, which form the Eastern entrance of Hell-Gate) & are about 6. Leagues from New-York—

Tuesday 17th June

At Nine A.M. the Niger made the signal for sailing & we all weigh'd vizt Our Ship mounting 20. Nine Pounders with 240 Men including Soldiers, another large Ship with Hessians, &three Sloops, the Wind fair as it can blow, but the Tide against us; & soon reach'd the Sound, leavg New City Island, & another on the larboard hand; The Tide changing in our favor we slid pleasantly through the Water viewing the Towns, & pleasant prospects on each side us; About 7. o'Clock P.M. saw some Ships & Sloops ahead, beating to Windward, call'd all hands to Quarters, &posted 36. Men with small Arms on the Quarter Deck, got our Tompions out & waited the issue, The Ladies, though they look'd grave sometimes, yet behav'd with a true British Spirit. A place was prepar'd to put them in Safety, in the interim we brought to aStern of the Frigate, as his Second, when we soon perceiv'd they were Friends but do not yet know what Ships, as we did not speak with them—

Wednesday 18th June

The Wind stillfair, as it was all Night, & we have aprospect of the Naraganset Shore, along which we are Sailing; Came to anchor a little before one o'Clock close to the Town of Newport; This Night a Rebel Privatier Brigg of 14 Guns got past our Batterys favor'd by the darkness, into the Eastern passage, from whence she has as little prospect of geting to Sea, as she had where she lay before—