20 [June 1776] I went to
the City. Lieut Hayward and
myself Spent the Evening on board Capt
Beards Vessell. I Sent a Letter to Capt. Downs
- I have many Reflections concerning the
mispence of Time, therefore determined to Spend
the remander Some of my
Leisure Hours in the
Study of the French Language--
21. [June 1776] Orders
were last night issued for 80
Men 2 Subs & 1 Capt to
go on a private Ex-
pedition. these Men & Officers
& Men were
drawn from the Several Regts in the Army
I was Sent to be the Officer from
Genl
Heath's Brigade. we paraded according to
orders at the Laboratory at 9 o'clock with
Seven Days Provisions. but Since the Orders Arms Ammunition
&c
were issued news had Lieuts Wheeler &
Make-
peace from the two other Brigades braught
the Quota of Men belonging to each of them.
This Party was raised to reinforce the Party
at the lighthouse, but Since the Orders were
raised issued News had been received that
the Party were unable to affect anything
for the want of heavier Metal & were on
their return-- we were therefore ordered to
return our Arms, & were s sent to the
Jersies
to cut Cedar Wood Logs &c to build Fire
Rafts -- we imbarqued about 2 o clock in
the Afternoon & Sailed toward
Staten Island