Capt. [William] Dennis, in the last mentioned Privateer, 1 arrived off Newport on Friday last Week, and perceiving more Shipping in the Harbour than usual, sent his Barge to view them, which was taken by the Enemy; two of their Ships likewise got under Way, and chased. the Privateer, but she luckily escaped, and is since arrived at a safe Port.
The 26th of September we set sail for the island of Bermudas, in order to cruise there for 28 days; during that time we took the following ships; on the 26th of October, after a chace of four hours, we made a prize of the schooner Independence privateer, commanded by John Gill, which carried six guns, 14 swivels, and 28 men, fitted out at Salem by the Congress, in order to intercept our West... Continue Reading
Lately was launched at this port the fourth Continental Frigate, called the Effingham, in honor of the patriotic Earl of that name, who nobly refused to draw his sword in support of British tyranny and usurpation.1
Tuesday se'ennight [December 24] arrived here the Continental brig Andrew Doria, Capt. Robeson [Isaiah Robinson] from St. Eustatia and Martinico, laden with gun-powder, arms... Continue Reading
We have thought the expence of an Express warranted to carry you the inclosed, some of the contents, demanding the most serious attention, & the quickest possible change in the situation of things, that made those observations necessary. It is very true that we have exerted ourselves, but in some instances we have been unfortunate and the difficulty of getting ships and seamen is certainly... Continue Reading
We some time ago desired you to purchase two or three Ships and send them to Virginia, or South Carolina, since which we have not had the pleasure of hearing from you, but hope that business is in good forwardness. We have now to desire you to purchase another ship and send her to France if a cargo can be procured at your place suitable for that market — No doubt masts will answer very well and... Continue Reading
A letter from Capt. Henry Barns, of Whitehaven, dated at Rhode Island, Jan 5 [1777], says, "A few days ago we had a letter from Capt. Hare, one of our fellow~sufferers. He was at Providence when the King's troops arrived here, and has since been detained there. He tells us, that the inhabitants of Providence, on the first approach of the King's ships, had determined to burn all the prize ships;... Continue Reading
We embrace the opportunity of Mr Leman & Mr Penrose two gentlemen of the Lt Horse to forward seven packets that came to our hands from Congress last night, these packets contain Sundry Resolves of Congress and a Number of Blank Commissions.
The uncertain rumours. of your Excellencys Success between Trenton and Prince Town and at the latter place, have us in a most anxious State of Suspence... Continue Reading
I hear inclose you Lux and Bowley's letter, you will thare observe the Congress has taken the cable I had maid for the Galley. at this rate it is im possible for me to tell when I shall git the Galley to you. That Cable was a gratdle to large, for Capt Hamond [Larkin Hammond] jud[g]ed it must half fil'd the Schooner up.2 the Brigg Brothers Mr [Jesse] Hollingsworth bought for you I... Continue Reading
I reced Your Letter from Turks Islands & was glad to hear you was well & had got so far on your Voyage, it wou'd afford us inexpressible pleasure to be inform'd of your safe Arrival in Virginia, which I hope wont be long before we have that agreeable News. If you meet with no interuption in your Voyage we have reason to expect you will have a considerable Surplus besides loading the Sloop... Continue Reading
Your favor P Mr Hardy Iv'e Recd agreable to which and the Order from Capt [Abraham] Whipple and the Officers of the Columbus, Iv'e paid into Mr Hardy's hands, two thousand Seven hundred, and thirty pounds 8/7 Lmy in full for one Third part of the Nt Proceeds of the Prize ship Royal Exchange,2 which is to be Proportioned, by your order, Agreable to the Resolves of the Honbl Congress... Continue Reading
Your Several favo'rs of the 4 & 5 Dcemr P Mr [William] Turnbull & [Abraham] Livingston Iv'e Just Recd to which I beg leave to Answer, that it was not Possable to purchase the least Article of Clothing in this State, as everything of that Sort, which has been bro't in, or made, in this place, has been bought up for the use of the Soldiers Raised for the Service of the Continent I find by... Continue Reading
That last Year he imported from Holland by way of St Eustatia a considerable quantity of Duck & Card-Wire, — the Duck he sold this State for the Public Service, & as the Card Wire was very much wanted for the Use of the Inhabitants he sold it among them. — That at the time he sold the Duck it was recommended to him, by several of the Members of this Honorable Court to import a further... Continue Reading
Board of War,
Boston Jany 6th 1777 —
Sir
You being Master of the Schooner Boston Charter'd by the Board of War for a Voyage to the West-Indies, your Orders are to proceed direct for Point Peter in the Island of Guadaloupe where you are to dispose of your Cargo upon the best terms, & of your Vessel also (provided you can obtain not less than Six Hundred Pounds West India Currency [)], and... Continue Reading
This will be handed to you by Capt Ayers [John Ayres] with whom we have sent Prisoners, and it is to request of your Honor to provide a Cartel Vessel to convey them to the Commanding Officer of his Majesty's Ships at Newport, and in Case he should refuse to receive them, that you would give Orders for the Cartel to proceed with them to New York, to be exchanged for so many of our suffering... Continue Reading
Last Thursday se'nnight arrived at Cape Ann, the Privateer Schooner Warren, Capt. Coulson, after a Cruize of 6 Weeks; in which she took a large Schooner bound from Dominica to Quebec, which has safe arrived in Port 1 — Same Day arrived two Prizes, one of them a Vessel from Ireland, for the Garrison at Gibraltar, taken by the Privateer Sloop Union, Capt. Somes,2... Continue Reading
Jany 1777
Monday 6
Norwark [Norwalk] Point North 2 Miles
AM at 9 Weighd and stoo<l over for the No Shore Tendr in Company at 11 saw two sloops close in with the No Shore at noon spoke them, found them to be from Norwark laden wt Flackseed which some Refugees had run away with from the Rebels at Noon bore a way for Huntington Bay wt the Sloops under convoy punished Simon Powers wt one dozen... Continue Reading
The Roebuck, Falcon, and other Ships of War, have taken and sent in a great Number of Prizes in the Course of the last Week.
The Daphne, Capt. [St. John] Chinnery, arrived on Friday from a Cruize, and brought in 15 Sail with her. An Officer on board says, that she came up with every Vessel she saw, and is confessed to be one of the swiftest sailing Ships in the Navy.
I am favoured with yours of the 2d Inst and had much joy indeed, when I found the Lexington was arrived, because she would be a mischievous Enemy, altho a very good Friend in proper hands.
I have directed the Captain & Officers to proceed down to Baltimore immediately judging they will be wanted in fitting her out again. Captain Hallock can also distinguish the Goods that are for Account of... Continue Reading
Capt [William] Hallock & his officers will go down to day to the Lexington but they must not go out in her unless an exchange is made.
January 1777
Thursday 2d
Cape May SBE¾E 1 Mile
AM at 7, heard the report of several Guns to the Etwd at 9 Punish'd Thos Warren Seaman for theft with 12 Lashes at 12 Weigh'd & made sail
Fresh gales and cloudy P.M. at 4 Brat too & made the Pearls Signl for a Boat at 5 wore & made sail
Friday 3d
AM. at 11 Read the Articles of War &c to the ships Campy at 12 The light House... Continue Reading