June 30 1776
I went to a German Church with in
the forenoon with Lieuts Drew &
Alden and
Ensigns Bradford &
Cotton. but as I did
not understand the Language I could
not determine as to the abilities of the
Priest, but he Seemed a poor Orator.
In the Afternoon we went to the Qua-
-ker Meeting & Sat about 2 Hours and
nothing being Said we Set off &
after
left them took a Bowl or two of
Grog & return'd to
Camp. on my
return Saw Thos
Covil who informed
me of my friends Webb &c in the Whale
Boats. there were braught to town last
night 4 Officers & 16 Sailors who came
up in a Barge to Sound the Chanell &
were fired upon by one of our Forts &
br-
aught too.
yesterday arrived at the
Hooke 130 Sail of Ships & Transports.
Those Persons who had been intrusted
with the Countersign had been So imp-
-rudent as to give it out to others that
it was no difficult Matter even for
a Stranger to get it & Centuries were
often imposed upon & abused when on
their Posts Several were fired upon & one
wounded therefore it was directed that
the Countersign Should be delivered to
none but Colonels & Officers of Guards, by
this Means I hope we Shall be in more Safety