At a single Anchor off Weilmington Creek River Delaware
it was then so thick a fog that nothing could be discern'd till about 8 OClock when it cleared, and we perceived the Galleys at Anchor about 2 miles above us, we gave them chase immediately with all our Sail, and they as industriously plied their Oars and Sails to avoid us: it falling little wind we were not able to stem the ebb tide, and not having 6 inches water more than the ship drew in the best ship channel (which was not a quarter of a mile wide) I was under the necessity of anchoring: The Galleys rowed to a point of Land on the Western Shore and Anchored also
When I found there was no prospect of being able to get near them, and that they intended to retire up the River, as I advanced, and not having a force with me sufficient to authorize me to attempt to force the fortified pass of the River, I concluded with Captain Bellew, who agreed with me in opinion, that it would answer no good purpose to go futher up the River which every mile made more intricate, but that it would be best to try if we could draw the Galleys down to a wider part of the River, where we Should be in less danger, ot getting aground, and where we could run near them and have a better chance of destroying them accordingly
The first part moderate and hazy, latter fresh gales and cloudy.
at 2 in the Afternoon perceived the enemy in motion and their Number encreased to 22 Sail, at [5] weighed and turned down under an easey Sail, the Galleys immediately followed and kept up a smart fire, but cautiously remained at their usual distance; and at 10 they thought proper to stop near Newcastle, contrary to my expectation I was in hopes to draw them down the River; upon which I imediately droped Anchor, flattering my self they remained there, either on account of the darkness of Night, or that some of them were disabled; The latter of which appeared to be the Case.