By Capt. [Robert] Niles, in the Spy Schooner, who arrived yesterday morning from a cruise, we are favored with the following journal of Capt. Davis, who commands a company of observation at Montauk Point.
Montauk Station, Saturday, June 15, 1776
At 5 P. M. Capt. Samuel Tibble, of Milford, came here in his boat, who informs that he lost his sloop 10 leagues at sea this morning, being chased by two men of war, and saw several others: and further says, that one of the ships was within half a mile of his sloop when he left her.
Sunday, 16. Saw 5 ships to the southward from Montauk Point.
Monday, 17. Saw 6 ships and 2 sloops, the sloops hovering round Montauk Point; just at night stood out towards the ships.
Tuesday, 19 [sic 18] Very thick air in the fore part of the day. In the latter part saw 2 ships, one under Block Island, and the other to the southward.
John Davis, Captain.
Capt. Niles informs, that he saw 3 ships on Wednesday off Block-Island, and that this coast is so infested with them, that it is almost impossible for any vessel to get in or out without falling into their hands.
The same afternoon, near Block-Island, Capt. Niles came up with, and spoke a sloop from this port outward bound, Bulkley, master, whom Capt. Niles warned of his danger, and advised to return into port; but as she is not yet arrived, it is feared she is fallen a prey to those ministerial piratical plunderers.
An attempt was made last Tuesday by Capt. [Abraham] Whipple, in the ship Columbus, to decoy the Cerberus Frigate into Newport harbour, when a number of shot passed between them. But after following the Columbus near the Mouth of the harbour, the Cerberus left her, and stood out to sea. There were several gallies, and other armed vessels in the harbour, who in case the Cerberus had come in, would have assisted in taking her.
