July 19 1776

The Ships preparing to be sunk are
will be of vast expence & I am doubt
-full of their Success as the Water in the
Harbour where they will be of any Ser-
vice is very deep.     Across these Ships
are laid on each about 6 or 8 [long?]
Timbers with pointed with Iron to
Sink the Ships when they shall run -
- against them -- The success of these
must be left for time to determine.
I visited I took a view also of two
rowe Gallies building at the East
End of the City one of them is near=
-ly ready for Sailing the other is still
on the Stocks almost finished. each
are to carry a 32 pr in the bow
besides Small pieces in the Sides, they
are neatly built, resembling much the
Ingravings of the Turkish Gallies &
if properly managed may Serve gre=
-atly to annoy the Enemy's Fleet--
Spent the Evening in a Tavern on
Golden Hill & returned to my tent
about 10 o'clock.

20 [July 1776] Capt Allen was ordered to for take
command of a party desi going to
Kings Bridge for 7 Days. I am the
only Officer left for with our Company