July 1777 Wednesday 30.
Cape Henlopen South 2 Miles Cape May NE 5 Leagues at 6 A.M. Saw many Sail in the Offing at 7 the Roebuck hove out a Signal for our Pilot hoisted out the Barge and sent him on Board with a Petty Officer at 8 Roebuck Weighed and came to Sail Standing out of the Bay Saw an Admirals Ship Supposed to be Lord Howe and His Fleet from New York At Noon 157 Sail in Sight. — Modt and Clear Weather At Single Anchor in Old Kill Road Light House South Dt 2 Miles 4 PM 159 Sail in Sight Standing in for the Bay at 8 saw the Roebuck Anchor a Breast of Cape Henlopen. —
Thursday 31.
at 4 AM Saw between 30 and 40 Sail to Anchor in the Offing at 9 Saw the Roebuck standing to the Etward at 11 Came into the Bay His Majesty's Ship Liverpool and a Small Sloop and Anchored At Noon lost Sight of the Fleet. —
1. PRO, Admiralty 51/982.