August 1776 Friday 16th
In Hudsons River New York AM [light breezes] and Cloudy, dry'd Sails, to all Appearance the Channell abrest of the Fort quite Block'd up. First part light breezes and Cloudy, Mide light airs and hazy with Calms latter little Wind & Cloudy PM at 1/2 past 11 saw some Vessels close on board of us, took them to be Rebel Gallys two of which prov'd to be fire vessels, our Tender being on our Larbd Quarter 1/2 a Cable distance, one of them fell Athwart her on fire, which set the Tender Instantly in a Blaze, & hindred her from faling on board the Ship, we veer'd away but finding we could not get clear of her cut the Cable at the Y2 she driving clear of us fell Athwart the Phenix's Bow; which had near set her on fire, they got Clear by Cutting their Cable and Towing her Off, let go our small Bow'r Do came too the Phenix & Tryal, Our People from the Tender all got safe on board.
1. PRO, Admiralty 51/805.