[Ship Defence] Off Point Look Out September 24th. 1776
Gentlemen, I Honoured myself by writing you by the Amelia Tender. At that time was in hopes of having a fine Night and good run down the Bay. ー At 10 P M the wind came round to the Eastward, the night had all the appearance of a gale insueing. I thought it Prudent to have the ship brought at anchor under point look out and this morning early when hove Short the small bower cable parted near the Anchor, We got the Pilot boat to the B[uo]y rope when a strain hove on it parted the bouy rope at the Crown of the Anchor, the wind blowing a fresh Gale at N W puts it out of our power to get the Anchor at this time We have left a watch bouy at the Place and sett Several places for finding it some other time. Mr [Gilbert] Middleton will have the Marks and knows the Place where the Anchor liesー
At 10 A m I purpose going down to Gwyns Island, as I'm informed by some Gentlemen on board of Sundry Anchors being there & purpose getting one I have the honor to be Gentlemen [&c.]
George Cook2
1. Red Book, XII, Md. Arch.
2. Ibid., Cook again wrote the Council later the same day that weather prevented him from making Gwynn Island, and that he hoped "to be at Sea by 10 oClock at Night."
