May 1776 Wednesday 22d
At a Single Anchor in Hampton Road, Virginia Fine pleasant weather, dried Sails, and exercised the Ships company at Great Guns and small Arms; at Noon Sent the Barge and Cutter to assist getting down the fleet from Norfolk, who were at this time under certain apprehensions of being destroyed by the Rebels. Ditto weather, this afternoon many of the fleet came down,
Thursday 23d
the Boats employed as yesterday giving the fleet assistance, and bring[ing] down those withodt rigging or furniture. Moderate and fair weather; the Fowey and Several of the fleet came down, and anchored here.
1. PRO, Admiralty 51/796.