October 1777
Thursday 23
Do. [aBreast the Fort]
AM sent the Stream Cable on Bd the Augusta, Empd in heaving on the Stream Cable, to gett the Augusta off which we did not effect—The Enemys Gally's came down and attackted us, and soon after they sent down 2 fire Brigs and a Skiff at 10 another Fire ship was sent down The Augusta took fire sent the Boats to bring off the people, sent orders to set fire to the Merlin, and Boats to bring off the people to prevent her falling into the Enemys Hands as she cou'd not be got off and wore out Cable, & Slipped and droped lower down about the same time the Isis came above the lower Cheveaux du Freezs's—
Do.
Moderate & Fair PM At 2 the Augusta Blew up & ½ pt. the Merlin blew up Employ'd in shifting the Sheet Cable into the proper Hause as we had brought up by when past by for a Stern Cable,