16th [September]. ー This morning about three o'clock I was called by the officer of watch, and informed that a fire-vessel was close on board of us. I immediately run on the forecastle, and perceived that the light was at some distance from us, and that it approached us but slowly. By daybreak we perceived them plainly to be four fire-vessels, that had been sent against the Renown, Repulse and Pearl. These fire-vessels came near the ships, but by slipping or veering they escaped them. The Renown slipped one cable and cut another; she made sail with the wind down the river and an ebb tide, and joined us here off Bedloe's Island. The two frigates kept their stations up the river.... A little after nine at night, three guns were fired as a signal. It proved to be the Chatham, in coming up here, had got on Robin's Reef. Sent the master to her.