[August] Thursday 13th.
[Do. [Sandy Hook] WbN 16 Leagues] AM set main Topsail, no Ships in Sight
New York N29°6W 36 Leagues. Fresh Breezes at 5 PM Spoke the Nautilus’s Tender at 5 AM saw a Sail upon the Starboard Qr. made the private Sigl. which She answered at ½ past 5 saw a large Ship at anchor dismasted, hawled towards her. soon after the Ship hoisted French Colours and fired 4 Guns, quick, soon afterwards saw 7 Sail of large Ships to Windwd. coming down, made the private Sigl. which was not answered, they showed French Colours. at 7 wore Ship & made Sail, made the Private Sigl. t the Ship in the S:E Qr. which was answered, proves to be the Delaware,1 made the Signl. for eight Sail of French Ships in the So. which she answered, the Delaware watching the French Ships standing to the Sowd.
D, UkLPR, Adm. 51/828, fol. 26.
1. H.M. armed ship Delaware, Capt. Christopher Mason.