From a Painting by C. T. Chapman BATTLE OF THE RANGER AND THE DRAKE In 1777, John Paul Jones took command of the Ranger, a ship of 308 tons and 18 guns. It is claimed that this was the first time the Stars and Stripes was raised over a man-of-war. On April 23, 1778, he entered the harbor of Whitehaven, England, spiked the guns and set fire to the shipping. On April 24, he fought the Drake off the coast of Carrickfergus, Ireland, and in spite of an unreliable crew, captured the British vessel. (See article, page 201, this issue) (Courtesy Office of Naval Records and Library, Navy Department)
The Ranger was built at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, upon what is known as Badger’s Island, and launched in May, 1777. This ship carried an armament of eighteen 6-pounders and a crew of 150 men. She had the distinction of being the first American warship to receive a salute from a foreign power. This was from a French fleet under Admiral LaMottePicquet, in Quiberon Bay, February 14, 1778.
John Paul Jones first commanded the Ranger and sailed from Portsmouth December 2, 1777, for France. On April 10, 1778, he sailed on a cruise in the Irish Channel and took several prizes. On this cruise Jones made his celebrated descent on Whitehaven and sought an engagement with H.M.S. Drake, a ship carrying two more guns than the Ranger and a much larger crew. After a contest lasting an hour and five minutes, the Drake surrendered, having lost 42 men killed and wounded including Captain Burden and his first lieutenant. Jones lost Lieutenant Wallingford and one seaman killed, as well as six wounded. On his return to France, Jones had considerable disagreement with Lieutenant Simpson, his second in command. The American Commissioners, Franklin, Deane, and Lee, turned the Ranger over to the command of Simpson to return to Portsmouth. Simpson sailed from France August 21,1778, in company with the Boston, 24 guns, Captain S. Tucker, and the Providence, 28 guns, Captain A. Whipple. Whipple was in command of the fleet and was styled “Commodore.” Three prizes were taken by the three vessels on the return voyage.
The log of the Ranger published below covers a period from August 24, 1778 to March 2, 1779,* and records her voyage back to Portsmouth where she arrived
October 16; her refitting during the winter of 1778-79; and her joining the Warren, 32 guns, Captain J. B. Hopkins, and the Queen of France, 28 guns, Captain J. Olney, in Boston Harbor. With these vessels she was destined to make a daring cruise during the spring of 1779.
A copy of this log was found in the Granite Monthly for 1881-82. It was published in that periodical by Mr. E. P. Jewell who had the original in his possession. The original log covers a longer period than the copy recorded here, extending from Monday, August 18, 1778, to Wednesday, May 10, 1780, when it abruptly breaks off (on May 11, 1780, the Ranger was surrendered to the British in Charleston Harbor). The original was discovered among rags picked up by some rag dealer in different parts of New Hampshire. This log was in possession of Mr. Jewell’s family as late as June, 1909. The Office of Naval Records and Library of the Navy Department has a copy of an earlier log of the Ranger, running from November 26, 1777, to May 18, 1778. The original is said to have been presented to Lady Isabella Helen Douglas, daughter of the fifth Earl of Selkirk by Lord William John Napier in 1830. The log owned by Mr. Jewell probably was not known to the earlier naval historians, like Cooper and Emmons, as they make no mention of the Ranger’s return voyage from France, or of her captures during the cruise.
. . . Monday, Aug. 24, 1778.—3d day out. The first part of this twenty-four hours fair and pleasant, light winds E.B.N.; at 4 p.m., fresh breeze and cloudy; at 8 p.m., fired a gun to bring too a Dutchman. The middle part cloudy, the wind N.N.E. At day light saw a sail on our lee bow, gave chase, and at 6 a.m. spoke her. She proved to be a brig from London to Pensacola, loaded with provisions for the garrison there, called the Sally, Capt. Ward. The Commodore manned and ordered her to America. At 8, spoke a Swedish Snow and a Dutch ship. The latter part of this twenty-four hours hazy weather and wind from the N.B.W.
Tuesday, Aug. 25, 1778.—Beginning with fresh winds and hazy weather; at 1 P.M., Commodore brought too a sloop from Carolina, bound to Nantes. The Boston gave chase to a ship, and 6 p.m. brought her too, a Frenchman bound to Boston, the prize brig astern. These twenty-four hours ends with fair weather, winds having been variable from the E.B.N. to the E.B.S.
Wednesday, Aug. 26, 1778.—These twenty-four hours commence with fresh gales and fair weather. Brought too a Dutch ship bound to Riga. Moderate breezes and fair weather. The wind these twenty-four hours has been from the E.N.E. to the E.S.E.
Thursday, Aug. 27, 1778.—Begins with light winds and cloudy weather, under an easy sail, in company with the Providence, Boston, and prize brig. Hazy weather; sailmakers employed making lower steering sails. The wind has been S.S.E. and S.E.B.E., these twenty-four hours.
Monday, Aug. 31, 1778.—Light and easy breezes, a large swell from the S.W. Hoisted out the yawl to go on board the Providence; sailmaker employed in repairing one of the new top sails that was damaged on the last cruise. The twenty- four hours ends with easy weather, wind having been S.W., and S.W.B.S.
Tuesday, September 1,1778.—This twenty-four hours begins with easy weather; at twelve at night discovered a sail, made our signal lights which the Commodore answered and we gave chase; at two the wind freshened with rain; lost sight of her, gave over chase; made our false fires to the other ships and joined them again. Wind increasing with hard squalls and rain, down top-gallant yards and handed our top sheets; at day light the weather clearing and proving moderate; discovered a sail to the eastward; gave chase. At eight in the morning, saw a ship in the S.E. quarter, standing to the eastward; wind has been S.W. these twenty-four hours.
Wednesday, Sept. 2 1778.—These twenty-four hours begin with a fresh gale and hazy weather; at two in the afternoon the Commodore gave our signal to chase the ship to windward, accordingly tacked and stood after her, fresh breeze and a head sea; at three carried away our fore top mast and fore and main top gallant masts, got in the wreck with little loss of rigging, and at seven in the evening had another top mast up and the top sail set; by ten at night our top gallant masts up and all complete. The twenty-four hours ends with thick weather and wind; the wind has been at S.W.B.S.
Sunday, Sept. 6, 1778.—Begins with fine weather; still in chase, at half past nine in the evening brought her too, proved to be a French Snow from Newfoundland bound to Havre DeGrace. The twenty-four hours ends with pleasant weather; the Commodore’s boat came on board; the wind has been N.N.E., N.B.E., and S.W.B.W.
Monday, Sept. 7, 1778.—These twenty- four hours light airs, fair weather and a smooth sea; the wind W.B.N., W.B.S., N.N.W., and N.B.W.; hauled our cables upon deck, shook some water casks, cleared the hole, coiled down our cables again, and stowed some lumber from other rooms in the hold.
Wednesday, Sept. 9, 1778.—The first part pleasant breezes and fair weather, under an easy sail, the wind at south. At seven in the morning fresh breezes and cloudy weather; took a brig from Granada bound to Glasgow, called the Friend Duncan, McFarland, master, having on board one hundred and thirty-six punchions rum and ten bales cotton. Informs us that he had parted with a fleet of West India Men eighteen days before, bound for Europe under convoy of the Deal, Castle and Beaver; put on board Joseph Green, Prize master; Daniel Jackson, Samuel Holbrook, James Smith, Oliver Pommett, Samuel Chandler, Benjamin Quint, and Simon Staples.
Thursday, Sept. 10, 1778.—Begins with heavy squalls of wind and rain, with large swell; handed our top sails. The prize brig in company; at seven in the morning wind to the S.W.; thick weather and rain; set the stay sails. The wind has been S.E., and S.S.E.
Friday, Sept. 11, 1778.—This twenty- four hours begins with a fresh gale and thick weather. In the morning the ships and prize brig hove too; took from out of her for the use of the Ranger four puncheons of rum, for the Providence eight, and for the Boston two; delivered to the brig 220 bread, 1 barrel of beef, half a barrel of pork, 32 pounds butter, 40 yards light canvas, 7 pounds twine, 14 sail needles, 10 pounds candles, 3 palm irons, 1 bushel corn, 2272 pounds cheese. Condemned as unfit for use 124 pounds of butter, and 2 casks of pease containing about 14 bushels, also 12 pounds of cheese. Capt. Tucker having a disturbance on board the Boston, was obliged to send two mutineers on board the Providence, and on board the Ranger the following prisoners taken in the Friends, viz.: Thomas Marshall and William Haggart, passengers; Daniel Johnson, William Sharp, Malcolm M. Isaac, and John Bogg, seamen; and John Thompson, boy.
Saturday, Sept. 12, 1778.—Begins with light breezes and clear weather; at eight o’clock in the forenoon saw a sail to the westward; set our studding sails; at noon a very light breeze, out oars to row after the chase, she being about eight or nine miles distant. Winds for the twenty-four hours N.B.W., N.N.W.
Sunday, Sept. 13, 1778.—The twenty- four hours begin with light winds and variable; at four gave over chase, a light air coming from the S.W. At sunset lost sight of the chase, a light air from the west; light winds W.S.W.; in company with the ships and prize brig; wind S.W.
Monday, Sept. 14, 1778—The twenty- four hours begin with a fresh breeze at S.W., and clear weather; fresh breezes and cloudy, double reefed our topsails. Wind increases, close reefed the fore and main and handed the mizzen top sail; at eight in the morning saw a sail bearing N.N.E., gave chase; at ten came up with her, she proved to be our prize brig. Wore ship to the westward; the Commodore ordered Mr. Green, the prize master, to make the best of his way to America.
Tuesday, Sept. 15, 1778.—Fresh breezes and squally wind at N.W.B.W., up courses; light breezes and cloudy weather; at eight this morning out all reefs, up top gallant yards, and set the sails; sail maker employed making a mizen stay sail out of one of our heavy lower studding sails. The Boston made a signal for a sail in the N.W.; gave chase.
Wednesday, Sept. 16,1778.—Light breezes and hazy weather. The Boston’s boat boarded the chase; bore up for the Commodore; proved to be an English Snow fourteen days from Newfoundland. Capt. Whipple manned and dispatched her for America. Rain, double reefed topsails, stood to the S.W.; saw two sail to the southward; gave chase. At half past seven tacked to the eastward after the chase. The wind has been variable, from the N.E.B.E. round to S.B.W.
Thursday, Sept. 17,1778.—Light breezes; the chase to windward near them; set in foggy; lost sight of the chase, Boston and Providence. At six, clear again; saw that our chases had tacked to the northward, and were on weather beam about four miles distant, tacked after them. At seven the Commodore made a signal to give over chase. Bore up and spoke with the Commodore. At midnight double reefed each top sail; three in the morning hard squall, and rain, handed the top sails; at five spoke the Commodore; at eight, Capt. Tucker made signal for a sail; made sail.
Friday, Sept. 18, 1778.—Fresh gales and rain; double reefed our top sails; lay too for the Commodore to come down, spoke with him at five, handed all our sails, but the fore sail, down top gallant yards. Rain and a large sea. At five in the morning the weather moderates a little; set our main sail and close reefed fore top sail. The twenty-four hours ends with hard squalls and rain, with a large sea.
Monday, Sept. 21, 1778.—Up top gallant yards and set the sails; light airs of wind; handed top gallant sails and single reefed top sails, and hauled up our course to wait for the Commodore. Expended 4135 gallons of water, remains 5365 ditto; returned by the doctor nine people sick. Fresh gale; trebble reefed fore and main top sail, and handed the mizen top sail; handed fore top sail. Hard squalls, handed main top sail; moderated, set main top sail and stay sails; set fore top sail.
Thursday, Sept. 24, 1778.—Out reefs, set fore top sail. Sounded, no ground at 95 fathoms, aired the light sails, no observation.
Saturday, Sept. 26, 1778.—Down stay sails, laid the main top sail to the mast, fired seven muskets and two swivels, signals for the ships; cleared, sounded and had ground in eighty fathoms, quality of the bottom white sand and large stones; handed all our sails except the mizzen and mizzen stay sail, under which we lay by as did the other ships; caught some fish in forty-five fathoms water, laying by still on account of the fog. Weather cleared a little, both ships in sight.
Sunday, Sept. 27, 1778.—Foggy and fresh gales; fired one six-pounder and two swivels, signal guns to prevent our separation; at 4 o’clock ships brought too under a mizzen and mizzen stay stail; at six the weather clears, saw a sail to the northward and a small island of ice, made sail and gave chase; at half past nine brought the chase too, a brig from Amsterdam called the William, Rob’t Stonehouse, master, bound to Boston and owned there.
Monday, Sept. 28, 1778.—Thick fog, lying by under the top sails; dismissed the brig. Tacked to the southward at five; still foggy by the master’s return; have expended 723 gallons water since the 21st of this month, remains on board 4642 gallons. Weather clears a little, shut in thick of fog; hove too under the three top sails, little wind; Commodore and Capt. Hinman came on board to dinner, Capt. Tucker laying by with the Boston, scrubbing her bottom; foggy and rain.
Tuesday, Sept. 29, 1778.—Light winds, made sail to the westward, Commodore fired signal gun to keep company; clears, weather fine, loosed our sails to-day and all hands employed in fishing.
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 1778.—Clear and calm; catched some fish.
Thursday, Oct. 1,1778.—Delivered eight barrels of beef to the Boston frigate, Sam’l Tucker, Esq., commander. Lost a hand lead, seven pounds weight, in fishing; unbent the fore and main courses and fore top stay sail, bent new ones.
Friday, Oct. 2, 1778.—Fair and a fine breeze, a long swell from the eastward; close reefed the top sails, down top gallant yards; at 6 o’clock sounded forty- two fathoms water, strong gales; at ten handed fore top sail and reefed the main course; at eleven handed the main top sail, strong gales and a large sea.
Saturday, Oct. 3, 1778.—Rainy, squally weather, strong gale of wind and a high sea; reefed top gallant mast under courses, set close reefed main top sail, handed main top sail. The twenty-four hours end with a strong gale of wind and high sea.
Sunday, Oct. 4, 1778.—Begins with a strong gale of wind and high sea, much rain, reefed the fore sail; at 6 o’clock brought too under mizzen stay sail as did the other ships; continues squally with rain; set close reefed top sails; in top sails.
Monday, Oct. 5, 1778.—The twenty- four hours begins with a fresh gale and clear; out all reefs; loosed the light sails to-day, up top gallant masts; at 7 squally with showers of rain; at midnight hard squalls with rain. Saw a ship to windward about four miles, gave chase; blowed hard, thick weather, lost sight of the ship. Carrying a pres’d sail in chase, shiped a heavy sea, some of which got into the sail room and magazine.
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 1778.—Strong gale and high sea; weather clears and moderates; set up our main rigging; at 5 o’clock saw a sail to the S.S.E., under one fore sail and mizzen stay sail, hard squalls from the N.W. Blowing very heavy with a high sea, reefed our courses, wore ship and set them; broached a cask of water of 110 gallons, which had leaked one third out; moderate, set the reef out of the main sail, and set the mizzen stay sail.
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 1778.—A hard gale and a large sea from the northward. Set the main top sail close reefed, let a reef out of the fore sail; at twelve set close reefed fore and mizzen top sails, handed ditto; fresh gale, no observation.
Thursday, Oct. 8, 1778.—Fresh gale; sail maker mending sails; set the fore and mizzen top sail; ends with clear weather and a moderate breeze.
Friday, Oct. 9, 1778.—Fresh gales and showers of rain, moderate. Wore ship to the westward, out reefs and set the light sails; light airs of wind, up top gallant yards; delivered fifty pounds of candles to the Providence.
Saturday, Oct. 10, 1778.—Sent four cask on board the Providence, which they filled with water, quantity 168 gallons; scrubbed the ship’s bottom; delivered the Boston one barrel of pork and one firkin butter; sail maker employed mending the sails, tacked ship; light air and variable.
Sunday, Oct. 11, 1778.—Shifted the main and main top sail; delivered to the Providence 6 cwt. 2 qr. 20 lb. of bread and one firkin butter; a light breeze, set all sail; handed top gallant sails.
Monday, Oct. 12, 1778.—Cloudy, fine breeze; blows fresh, hand jib and main top mast stay sail; at four handed top sails; at ten handed courses and lay too under mizzen stay sail; saw sail and gave chase.
Tuesday, Oct. 13,1778.—Squally, strong gales; set main sail; more moderate, set main and fore top sails; set jib, out reefs, set single reefed top sails and stay sails; sent up top gallant yards and set sails; Cape Ann, bore W.B.N., 72 N., 57 leagues.
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 1778.—Came up with the chase, which proved to be our prize the snow Adventure-, bent both our cables. Set main top mast steering sails, handed down ditto; set top gallant sails, small sea; light airs and hazy weather; saw a sail to the N.N.W.; Cape Ann, bore W., 18 leagues distante.
Thursday, Oct. 15, 1778.—Pleasant, lights airs and pleasant weather; set steering sails below and aloft; light winds and variable, down steering sails; thick foggy weather; sounded, had ground 120 fathoms; sounded, 100 fathoms muddy ground thick fog; fired signal guns.
Friday, Oct. 16, 1778.—This morning begins with thick foggy weather; at 2 p.m., saw Cape Ann, bearing W.S.W., about seven leagues distant; at 6 p.m., set steering sails below and aloft, bore away for Piscataqua harbour, at 9 p.m., came to anchor at Great Island, in company with the Providence and Boston; hoisted out the jolly boat; the captain went up to town; cleared ship, dryed some of our light sails.
Saturday, Oct. 17, 1778.—This morning begins with fair weather; hoisted out the cutter; gave liberty for twenty-five of the hands to go to town to see their wives; received on board 400 weight beef; loosed our sails to dry, cleared hawser; people employed clearing ship, handed sails; saluted the forts with 13 guns.
Sunday, Oct. 18, 1778.—This morning fair and pleasant (wind S.S.W.); six coasters arrived here from the eastward; near 50 of our hands absent from the ship; moored ships, captain came on board; the Sullivan Privateer arrived here this evening, Captain Thomas Dalling, commander.
Monday, Oct. 19, 1778.—This morning fair and pleasant; tarred our sides; sent Lieutenant Wallingford’s trunks &c., ashore; two prizes, a brig and a Snow, arrived here; the latter part fair and pleasant. (Wind S.S.W.)
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 1778.—This morning fair and pleasant (wind S.S.W.); loosed our sails to dry, cleared hawser; most of our people absent from the ship; a schooner from New York, with a cartel of 22 prisoners, arrived here; handed sail. (Wind W.S.W.)
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 1778.—This morning fair and pleasant (wind N.W.); a pilot came on board to pilot the ship up to town; unmoored, got both anchors to the bows, came too with the small bower; heavy squalls; got down top gallant yards; at 9 a.m., sent Sergeant Ricker, with four marines, on board the Cartel, to relieve the Commodore.
Thursday, Oct. 22, 1778.—This morning fair and pleasant (wind N.N.E.); at 6 A.M., the Providence and Boston hove up and came to sail, bound to Boston; at 7 weighed our anchor and went up to town; saluted with 13 guns; let go our anchor in the stream; at slack tide warped in alongside of the prize ship Durkingfield; received a gondelow from Captain Tobias Lear, for ship’s use.
Friday, Oct. 23, 1778.—This morning fair and pleasant; employed landing stores.
Saturday, Oct. 24, 1778.—This morning fair and pleasant; the first part employed in washing ship, the latter in landing stores.
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 1778.—This morning clear weather, employed washing decks, &c. The Fortune, privateer, arrived here from off a cruise, having taken nothing. The middle and latter part fair weather, wind east.
Thursday, Oct. 29,1778.—This morning cloudy weather, wind S.E., people employed cleaning ship. The ship Lucia from Sheepsgate, Capt. Isaac Cusno, commander, bound to Boston from France, arrived here. The middle and latter part clear and cold, wind S.W.
Friday, Oct. 30, 1778.—This morning thick weather, wind west, people employed cleaning ship &c. A prize brig arrived here taken by the Hornet, Capt. Spurger of Newbury. Eleven sail of coasters in below; the latter part of this day cloudy and cold.
Saturday, Oct. 31, 1778.—This morning begins with thick, cloudy weather, with rain. People employed cleaning ship, &c.; the latter part cold.
Sunday, Nov. 1, 1778.—This morning begins with cloudy weather and cold, wind N.E. The armed schooner—, William Ray, commander, from Machias, bound to Boston, arrived at Great Island. The middle and latter part cold, wind S.W.
Monday, Nov. 2, 1778.—This morning begins with cold and cloudy weather, wind north. People employed on ship’s duty; middle and latter part cloudy and cold.
Wednesday, Nov. 11,1778.—This morning begins with thick weather, and full of rain. People employed in the hold getting out water casks and beef. Put the best bower cable on board the Durkingfield, as also four pairs spare shrouds. Fifteen labourers and six caulkers employed on ship’s duty; middle and latter part hard storm of rain.
Thursday, Nov. 12, 1778.—This morning fair and pleasant, wind N.W. People employed getting out the guns. Landed some of the gunners’ stores. Delivered to John Hart, the rope maker, the old shrouds belonging to the sloop of war Drake. Fifteen labourers and six caulkers employed on ship’s duty; middle and latter part fair and pleasant.
Friday, Nov. 13, 1778.—This morning fair and pleasant, wind west. People employed landing provisions, viz.: seventy- four barrels beef and pork. Landed the bow and waist netting; sent the netting irons to Mr. Sherburne, the smith. Delivered Mr. John Hart seventy-two pounds of cable. Fourteen labourers and six caulkers employed on ship’s duty. Middle and latter part fair weather, wind S.W.
Saturday, Nov. 14,1778.—This morning begins with rainy weather, cleared up at 10 a.m., wind S.W. Struck top gallant masts, and put the rigging in the store. Got down top mast steering sail booms and put them on board the Durkingfield. Returned the gondelow. Two labourers and six caulkers employed on ship’s duty; wind N.W., ends with cold weather.
Sunday, Nov. 15, 1778.—This morning begins with cold weather, wind N.N.W. Had several snow squalls, latter part cold, wind N.
Monday, Nov. 16, 1778.—This morning begins with clear weather, wind N.W. People employed stripping the ship and landing the rigging at Mr. Woodbury Langdon’s store. Seventeen labourers, six caulkers and two carpenters employed on ship’s duty; latter part of this day wind N.N.W.
Friday, Nov. 20, 1778.—This morning begins with clear cold weather. Twenty- eight people employed, six caulkers, 2 carpenters, six riggers, fourteen sailors; landed and stored in Col. Langdon’s warehouse 182 pigs of lead, 2 spare yards and 1 spare top mast, 1 ditto driver boom at Mr. Noble’s mast yard; landed 20 muskets and bayonets. Mr. Parker carried over the main rigging to the ship. The middle and latter part of this day cold, the wind at north.
Tuesday, Nov. 24, 1778.—This morning fair and cold, the wind at north. Twenty- three people employed rigging the ship and landing stores, viz.: 3 tons bread stored in Col. Langdon’s yellow store, Church Hill. Carried our top mast rigging over to the ship. The middle and latter part clear and cold, the wind at N.W.
Monday, Nov. 30, 1778.—This morning begins with fresh gales, the wind at E.S.E., and full of snow. The carpenters employed putting on the shot-lockers. Sailmakers at work in the loft. The middle and latter part of the day hard gales and full of snow, the wind at N.E.
Tuesday, Dec. 1, 1778.—This morning begins with cloudy and dry weather, the wind at W.N.W., more moderate. The people employed striking yards and top masts, and clearing the ship of snow; the sailmakers at work in the loft. The middle and latter part warm weather, wind at south.
Wednesday, Dec. 2, 1778.—This morning fair and cold, the wind at S.W.W. Hauled the ship on the ways and graved the starboard side. Weighed our best bower anchor. The middle and latter part of this day fair and pleasant; the wind at W.S.W. Twenty-two people at work on board and in the sail loft.
Thursday, Dec. 3, 1778.—This morning fair and cold, the wind at N.B.W. At 10, high water winded the ship. The carpenters finished graving the larboard side. The sailmakers at work in the loft. Twenty-three people at work on board the ship. The middle and latter part of this day fair weather, the wind at north.
Friday, Dec. 4, 1778.—This morning fair and pleasant, the wind at west. Hauled the ship off the ways and transported her over to town and moored her alongside Mr. Moffat’s wharf. Twenty- six men at work on board. The middle and latter part of this day fair and clear, the wind at W.S.W.
Saturday, Dec. 5, 1778.—This morning the weather fair, the wind at S.W. The people employed carrying out our small bower anchor to the south-east, and our stern cable to Mr. Cutts’ wharf. The middle and latter part of this day foul weather, the wind at south.
Sunday, Dec. 6, 1778.—This morning fair and clear, the wind at N.W., cold. The Sullivan, privateer, 18 guns, sailed on a cruise, commanded by Capt. Thomas Manning. The middle and latter part clear and cold, the wind at N.B.W.
Wednesday, Dec. 9, 1778.—This morning hard gales of wind at N.W., and excessive cold, clear weather. People employed building a bow to go on board the ship. Took in 14 casks water. The riggers and sailmakers in the loft; twenty-one people employed. The middle and latter part fine weather, but cold.
Thursday, Dec. 10,1778.—This morning cloudy, the wind at east; in the evening hard gales and plenty of snow. A prize brig arrived here from the Mosquito shore taken by a privateer belonging to Salem. Thanksgiving day.
Friday, Dec. 11, 1778.—This morning cold and full of snow, wind at N.E.; middle and latter part was moderate, wind at east. The sailmakers gang employed in the loft. People clearing snow off decks.
Saturday, Dec. 12,1778.—This morning fair and pleasant, wind at north-east. People employed getting our yards and top masts up; some cutting and spiffing firewood, others filling water. Middle and latter part fair weather, wind at N.E. Twenty-four men employed.
Sunday, Dec. 13, 1778.—This morning full of snow, thick weather and cold, the wind at east; the middle more moderate, fine rain; the latter part stormy and full of rain, the wind at S.S.E.
Wednesday, Dec. 16, 1778.—This morning fair and pleasant, wind at W.N.W. The people employed scraping the ship’s waist for the painters. The riggers at work in the loft. The sailmakers at work on our sails. Took in some water. Carried 52 lanthorns to Mr. Blunt’s to be mended. Received from Capt. Tobias Lear 205 feet refuse lumber for the use of the ship. Twenty-one people employed.
Tuesday, Dec. 22, 1778.—This morning cold weather, wind at north. The people employed taking in wood and stowing it away. Delivered Mr. Low, the cooper, 20 iron hoops for the ship’s use, and delivered up the rigging loft to Mr. Woodbury Lang- don.
Wednesday, Dec. 23, 1778.—This morning begins with violent cold weather, the wind at N.N.W. Discharged all the day men and gave leave to the people to retire home for three days. The middle and latter part of this day wind at north.
Thursday, Dec. 24, 1778.—This morning begins with clear, cold weather, wind at north; middle part exceeding cold, so that it is almost impossible to work. The sailmakers at work in the sail loft. The cold still increasing; this morning the mercury eight degrees below nothing.
Friday, Dec. 25, 1778.—This morning begins with severe cold, the wind at north, clear weather; the middle part the wind at N.E., clear; afterpart wind at N.E., excessive cold and cloudy; at 10 begins to snow.
Saturday, Dec. 26, 1778.—This morning begins cloudy and cold, wind at N.E., excessive disagreable weather as has happened these many year.
Wednesday, Jan. 6,1779.—This twenty- four hours fine pleasant weather, wind at W.N.W.; employed scrubbing some hammocks; sent to the sailmakers eleven hammocks to be mended.
Thursday, Jan. 7, 1779.—The fore part of this day cold weather, wind at S.E. Received on board 22 casks beef, employed stowing them. Latter part cloudy, wind at E.S.E.
Friday, Jan. 8, 1779.—This morning begins with a light breeze and full of snow. Let Peter Quinney, Joseph Taffors, William Connor, William Dayle, have hammocks. Let Thomas Conay, Mich. Tine and Eph. Grant, have hammocks. The latter part of this twenty-four hours small breezes to the westward.
Saturday, Jan. 9, 1779.—This twenty- four hours wind at S.W. to E.S.E., thick weather. People hanging their hammocks.
Sunday, Jan. 10, 1779.—Pleasant weather for the season, wind from south to west. We hear of a brigantine being cast away yesterday p.m. At noon Capt. Simpson went down in the jolly boat to see if he could render them any service; at five Capt. Simpson returned and brought the melancholy account of her being a prize brig belonging to the Monmouth, privateer. She was stranded on Odiorne’s Point, and all her people perished.
Tuesday, Jan. 12, 1779.—The first part of this day severe cold weather, the wind at N.W.; the latter part wind N.E. and snow. P.M. Delivered Jeremiah Goodwill and William Gates, their hammocks.
Wednesday, Jan. 13, 1779.—The first part of this twenty-four hours wind at N.E. and snow; latter part wind northwardly, weather moderated and cloudy. Received on board one cord wood. Employed the people clearing decks, &c.
Friday, Jan. 15, 1779.—Fore part wind from S.W. to west; the latter part wind at N.N.E. and snow. Received on board 4 bags bread, delivered a hammock to each of the following persons, viz.: Abraham Cook, Robert McGeo, Chestley Perkins, John Doore, Epes. Grenough, Owin Swaney, Aaron Chamberlain, John Cook. People employed slinging their hammocks.
Saturday, Jan. 16, 1779.—This twenty- four hours cold dry weather. Employed receiving a gondalow of old rigging out of the store, and fourteen new coils rope, some old and new blocks.
Monday, Jan. 18, 1779.—All this twenty-four hours sharp cold weather, wind at N.W. Employed getting the guns off the hill on board a gondalow; received them on board. Received on board one cask rum, forty gallons.
Tuesday, Jan. 19, 1779.—All this twenty-four hours cold weather, wind at N.W. Received on board 52 barrels of bread, 5 large and 47 small, 6 boxes candles, 5 barrels flour, 1 firkin butter, 5 coils cordage.
Wednesday, Jan. 20, 1779— The fore part of this day cold sharp weather, wind at W.N.W. Received on board in all 99 small casks and 7 large ditto of bread, 6 barrels flour, 10 barrels pork, 6 firkins butter, 10 boxes candles, 2 bales canvass, 24 lbs. twine. Latter part of this day strong gales and fine starlight.
Thursday, Jan. 21, 1779.—All this twenty-four hours cold weather, the wind at W.B.N., and clear. Received on board 6 hhds. rum, 2 containing 115 gallons each, 2 of 111, one 113, one 114 gallons.
Saturday, Jan. 30,1779.—Cloudy; wind from N.B.W. to N.E. Latter part full of snow. Received from Heart’s rope walk eight coils cordage.
Monday, Feb. 1, 1779.—Pleasant weather, the wind northwardly. Throughout the people employed about sundry jobs. Scraped and payed the masts alow and aloft. Delivered the sailmaker four bundles roping and four ditto seaming twine. Expended twelve fathoms rope to tail the main top sail lifts; up top gallant yards.
Saturday, Feb. 6, 1779.—Pleasant gales at N.W., fair weather. The people employed clearing the storerooms. Received on board 26 half barrels, 6 whole ones, and 2 1/2 kegs powder. Got up top gallant masts and yards, and at sunset got them down. Received on board one coil 1 1/2 inch, some junk, one barrel beef and two bundles iron hoops.
Sunday, Feb. 7, 1779.—The fore part of this twenty-four hours the wind at N.W., with snow; latter part pleasant. People employed clearing the decks.
Monday, Feb. 8, 1779.—All this twenty- four hours fine pleasant weather, the wind at N.E. Hauled both cables up and coiled them on the fore castle. Employed clearing ship’s hold to look at the water. Started five small casks of water to fill up the ground tier. Received forty pigs of lead aft to keep the ship in trim.
Tuesday, Feb. 9, 1779.—Wind from south to S.W., with rain and snow. Completed the hold and coiled down the cables. Delivered the sailmakers ten yards tick- lingburg, also six yards to mark staples, by Capt. Simpson’s order.
Friday, Feb. 12,1779.—All this twenty- four hours fine pleasant weather, the wind at S.S.W. Employed getting our stern anchor on board and getting all clear to go down. Received on board 3 hhds. water, 2/3 barrel of peas, 2 top gallant masts, and a new stock for a stern anchor. Found our stern cable to be chafed against the rocks.
Saturday, Feb. 13, 1779.—Fair and pleasant weather throughout this twenty- four hours, wind variable from W.S.W. to N.W. At nine a.m., cast loose from Moffat’s wharf and came to sail at ¾ past nine; anchored with best bower in Pepperel’s Cove. Veared out and moored our small bower f of a cable each way. The light house bearing south ¾ east. Fort Washington W.N.W. ½ W. Kittery Meeting House, bearing north ¾ west. Distance from shore ½ mile.
Sunday, Feb. 14, 1779.—The fore and middle part of this twenty-four hours light airs and variable with rain and sleet. Came in a sloop gandolope bound to Newbury. Letter part small breezes at N.W., and a thick fog. Broached a hogshead water. Read prayers.
Monday, Feb. 15, 1779.—This morning begins with light winds and variable. Employed clearing harse and losing our sails to dry. At 12 the cutter came from town with ye first and second lieutenants on board. Brought down a spare mizzen topsail, 1 barrel corn, part of a barrel of rye, with other small trifles. Bent the sprat sail. Sent up in the cutter a spare lower studding sail. Came in a schooner from Newbury, called the Mercury, a privateer, Capt. Seaward, commander. The latter part fresh breezes at S.E. with snow. Struck both top gallant yards and masts. Received on board forty bushels potatoes. Came in a prize of sixteen guns belonging to the Mijlin, saluted us with thirteen guns; returned one; sent up to town two hhds. to fill water; fired morning and evenings guns.
Tuesday, Feb. 16, 1779.—This morning begins with cloudy easy weather, wind from S.S.E. to W.S.W. Got up both top gallant masts, and rigged the yards, loosed the courses and stay sails to dry. Expended a new codline for ensign and pendant halyards. Employed washing the decks and scrubbing the ship’s sides. Bound and delivered to the boatswain part of a skain twine. Furled topsails. A privateer saluted us; returned one gun.
Wednesday, Feb. 17, 1779.—The first part of this twenty-four hours light airs and variable; fair weather the latter part, strong gales from S.E., and thick cloudy weather. A.M., cleared harse and struck both top gallant masts. Exercised the people with six guns. Received on board six crows, three iron-bound buckets and several cans, eleven hammocks and several articles of small stores, with one quarter beef. Sent up to the sailmaker, to make hammocks, two bundles sewing twine. Exercised the great guns.
Thursday, Feb. 18, 1779.—The first part of this day light fluttering breezes from south to S.W.; the middle, fresh gales from west to N.W.; the latter part light winds. Sailed from home. A French brig saluted us, we returned one gun. A.M., up top gallant yards, loosed top and top gallant sails with courses to air. Reefed the top sails and exercised the great guns with the small arms. The cutter returned from town. Received on board sundries for the doctor, also a jolly boat load of sand. Delivered Mr. Bunker four yards oznabrigs; four bags received of the steward for sand. The cutter returned from town. Cut a hogshead for the use of the ship.
Friday, Feb. 19, 1779.—The first part of this twenty-four hours snowing and blowing very hard, wind from the southward. At 10 A.M., the wind moderated, but very foggy at the same time. Brought a hhd. water and 1 ditto rum six inches out. Took on board 3 hhds. water and some planks for the ship’s use. People employed clearing harse and sundry other jobs.
Saturday, Feb. 20, 1779.—The fore and middle part of this day thick foggy weather with light winds from S.W.; latter part the wind at west to N.W. by W., and clear. Loosed our sails to air. Exercised the people in reefing and handing them. At noon the Captain and Pilot came on board in the cutter. Delivered the sail- maker one bundle sewing twine. Made nippers.
Sunday, Feb. 21, 1779.—The first part strong gales from N.W. by W. and clear at 1 p.m. Unmoored and hoisted in the cutter and jolly-boat. Set up our fore and main-top-mast shrouds and back-stays. The middle light fluttering airs and variable. Shortened in to one third of a cable. The latter part hazy and calm. At 9 a.m. moored with both bowers. Broached a barrel of beef. Received on board four hogsheads of water, from Great Island. Hoisted out cutter and jolly-boat. Delivered John Bettenham four yards trick- lingburg per order.
Monday, Feb. 22, 1779.—First part of this twenty-four hours southerly winds and rain. Got down the top gallant yards, the wind blowing very hard at the same time. At two p.m. the wind westerns. Loosed try-sails and shook the reefs out. Reefed them again and handed them. The wind still westerns. Got top gallant mast on end. Employed about sundry small jobs. Hard gales from W.N.W. A prize brig parted from her anchor and drove on shore.
Tuesday, Feb. 23,1779.—Fresh westerly gales and clear. Up top gallant yards. Employed exercising the people with cannon and small arms. Sailed hence, two brigs and the privateer Pallas. Broached a barrel of beef and a hogshead of water. Exercised the people aloft. Sent our stream anchor and hawser on board the prize to assist in getting her off. The boat returned with anchor and hawser but could not get her off.
Wednesday, Feb. 24, 1779.—Pleasant weather and fair. The wind N.W. at 7 a.m. Unmoored at 9. The captain came on board with the pilot. Hoisted in the jolly- boat. At one half past ten, weighed and came to sail with a pleasant breeze at N.W. Set the studding sails alow and aloft. At noon Star Island bore N.E. by E. Cape Ann S. ½ E. distant six leagues.
Thursday, Feb. 25, 1779.—Gentle breezes at North West and pleasant weather. All sails set. At 3 p.m. breeze freshened, took in our studding sails. At sun’s setting, Cape Ann bore N.E. ½ E., distant five leagues; Halfway rock N. by E. Lynn meeting house W. by S., distant four leagues. At one half past 7 anchored in Nantaskst road with best bower in six fathoms water, veered one half a cable. Found riding here the continental ships of war Warren and Queen of France. Out boats. At 5 A.M., Capt. Simpson and the pilot went to Boston in the cutter. Moored ship with small bower, half a cable each way. The head of Long Island bearing W. ¼ S; Point Atherton E.S.E.; Georges Island E.N.E., distant one half mile. Loosed our sails, to-day, and handed them. Employed about sundry other necessary jobs. Broached a barrel of beef. Delivered boatswain one third skein of twine.
Friday, Feb. 26, 1779.—The first part of this twenty-four hours pleasant weather and fresh breezes from N.W., the middle and latter part, strong gales from W. to S.S.W. and snow with rain. Broached a barrel of beef and one of pork. Received on board one hogshead of water, one bag of shirts, one dozen shoes, a parcel of hats, two dozen cod hooks, and twenty pounds of twine. Down top gallant yards and masts. Veered on the best bower to the long service, and shortly after it moderated. Hove in to ye one half cable service.
Saturday, Feb. 27, 1779.—Light breezes from N.E. and mostly cloudy weather. Up top gallant yards and masts. Loosed sails to dry. Received on board three hogsheads of water, one barrel of sugar, one hundred pounds of coffee, sixty blankets, fifty pairs of trowsers. Broached two barrels of beef. The remainder of this twenty-four hours fresh breezes with thick fog. Handed our sails, and down top gallant yards.
Sunday, Feb. 28, 1779.—Light and variable winds with fog. Up top gallant yards. Received on board two hogsheads of water. The middle and latter part, fresh gales from S.S.W. and clear. Delivered the steward eleven and one half yards Tricklingburg for pudding bags, and a cover for log-book, also delivered one skein sewing twine to the sail maker. Cleared hawser and employed the people usefully.
Monday, Mar. 1, 1779.—The first part of this twenty-four hours fresh breezes from N.N.W. and fair. Set up stays and top mast rigging. Received on board five hogsheads of water. Delivered the sail- maker five yards Tricklingburg to cover the side ropes. Shook a wooden-bound hogshead, it being empty for service. The latter part, moderate wind comes to the westward.
Tuesday, Mar. 2,1779.—Pleasant breezes from the westward and fair. Loosed sails to dry and spread our colors to air. Exercised the people alow and aloft. Received on board one hogshead of rum, one tierce of rice, ten bushels of peas, thirty-five blocks of different sizes. Cleared hawser and marked a new deep sea line
He whose whole life has been spent only in obeying will little know how to command.— Corneille, Pulcherie, Act II, 2.