27th May 1768

River Thames

Moderate and fair weather; at 11 a.m. hoisted the Pendant, and took charge of the Ship, agreeable to my Commission of the 25th instant, she lying in the Bason in Deptford Yard.  From this day to the 21st of July we were constantly employed in fitting the Ship, taking on board Stores and Provisions, etc.

That is the only entry in the Journal until the 21^st July… but I will endeavour (no pun intended) to make at least weekly updates until then (Roger R.)