Ship Defence off point Lookout May 29th 1776 ー
Gentlen
Your order of the 25th Inst came to hand Yesterday Noon 3 oClock, I was then off Wecomoco, About an hour after we imagine the Governors boat past us, the Commadore still continued at anchor, but as the Weather was thick imagine the Boat past her (Commadore): The other two Ships that was under way stood into the mouth of Rappahanock & supposed Anchor'd as we stood off and on all the Ebb and did not see them come out again. It blowd very fresh, & imagin'd they woud Weigh again on the flood to Chase me, which woud have given them a great advantage, therefore woud have gone into Wecomoco, but the Governors boat passing me at an Anchor off the Mouth, made me conclude to beat all Night at A Risque, since which have not seen them. I shall make the best of my way up & expect we shall have A southerly Wind, in which case, shoud the Enemy be standing up the Bay, its necessary I shoud have yr orders as early as possible, where you woud have the Ships go to. We did not discover any more Vessels than 3 Ships & A smaller Vessel which Supposed was A Tender. I am [&c.]