August [1776] Monday 12
Sandy Hook NWbN 3 or 4 miles saw a strange Convoy, made the Signal for a Pilot at 6 the Repulse saluted us with 13 Guns retd 11. came on board a Pilot stood in for Sandy hook in Company the Repulses Convoy Little wind and variable weather, saluted Lord Howe with 13 Guns which he returned Anchored off Staten Island, found riding here the Vice Admirals Lord Howe & Shuldham with a large Fleet of Men of War and Transports, hoisted out the Boats received Water from the Asia.2
1. PRO, Admiralty 51/720.
2. Ibid., the flag of Commodore William Hotham was on board the Preston, which had sailed from St. Helens, England, on May 6, 1776, with the Brune, Emerald, Carcass bomb and Strombolo fire ship, convoying a fleet of ninety-two transports.
