[Preston, Boston] 26th [May 1775]
There was however in Boston a Mr Ichabod Jones, who, having some property about Machias, imagined from his acquaintances and influence with the People there that he could furnish the Army with a considerable quantity of Firewood, he accordingly entered into a Contract for that purpose, and the General applied to the Admiral for an armed Vessel to go with and protect such Vessels as should be sent with Mr Jones on this Service: The Margueritta armed Schooner was appointed and had orders accordingly, being manned and equipped as expressed in the Admirals Letter to Mr Secretary Stephens; But the event proved how totally mistaken Mr Jones was in the temper of his Countrymen, and also shewed what we had generally to expect.
The restraining Acts were distributed among the Fleet with the Admirals Orders to send all Vessels seized either by virtue of the Acts, or by the Admirals particular Orders to Boston: All Vessels laden with Lumber, Melasses or Salt were directed to be brought in.
1. Graves's Conduct, I, 102, MassHS Transcript.