Long Island Sound 1st Decr The Expedition fleet weighed anchor at daybreak, with a fine wind at S. all went safely through Hellgate, and at 3 in the afternoon anchored near Whitestone, & not far from Frog's-point. Here we found the Brune, Mercury, and Kingsfisher, appointed, with some others not yet joined, to Convoy us. Some of the ships which did not leave New York yesterday, came down this Evening. Commodore Hotham, who Commands this part of the fleet, hoists his broad pendant on board the Brune.
No accident happened to any of the Ships in passing through Hellgate, notwithstanding the extreme narrowness and difficulty of the passage, and the rapid tide which sets through. The day being very clear and fine, the appearance of so many large ships going through such a narrow and dangerous passage, in a line ahead, with all their sails set, and with considerable velocity, afforded a grand and pleasing sight. In some places a stone might have been thrown on either shore.
The tide, at some times, runs 7 or 8 knots an hour in this passage, and I have several times seen large transports pass through with a contrary wind, Stern foremost, with all sails set.
During the time the army has been on New York Island, very few accidents have happened, considering the great number of vessels which have passed through this dangerous Channel. They have frequently touched the Rocks, but no ship has been lost. The best time to go through is at the beginning of the flood tide, and near high water, as then the strength of the Current is much abated. It is safer to go from New York into the Sound, than the contrary. Before the arrival of the Army at New York, it was very uncommon for any vessel drawing above 10 or 12 feet water, to attempt going through this passage.
