June 1776 Saturday 29
At Anchor off Cape May 3 AM saw the above Sail2 ー weigh'd & gave chase as did the Orpheus & Tenders ー she prov'd to be an arm'd brigg laden with Powder &c which we run on shore & brought our Ship to Anchor abreast of in order to cover our boats which we sent to destroy her ー by some accident she blew up and we lost our Masters Mate & Six men with the Long boat swivels muskets, pistols Long boat oars Sails &c.3 P M weighed and came to Sail as did the Orpheus & Tenders
1. PRO, Admiralty 51/506.
2. The brigantine Nancy, Hugh Montgomery, master.
3. See Lambert Wickes' letter of July 2, 1776.