Mr Jae. Treadwell and Mr Jacob Sheaffe Junr present a Memorial from themselves & others Merchts Freeholders & other Inhabitants of this Town setting forth that two Vessels laden with Provisions contracted for by some Merchts for the Supply of the Inhabitants were detained by His Majesty's Ship Scarborough to be sent to Boston &ct & praying that his Excy & Honrs would interfere to liberate said Vessels & Cargoes ー The Memorialists declare themselves very apprehensive of the most alarming Consequences from this Measure that in the present immediate Want of Provisions in this & the neighbouring Towns the immediate assembling of large Bodies of People is to be apprehended and fatal Consequences dreaded.

The Council having fully considered and deliberated upon the Matter are of opinion, That the Poor of this and the neighbouring Towns are in the greatest want of Corn and other Provisions ー and it appearing that the Cargoes of said Vessels have been contracted for for their relief and sustenance and also for the supply of the Inhabitants  The Council are convinced there is the greatest Reason on these Accounts to apprehend the most viole,nt outrages and tumults of the People will immediately follow this Detention of their Provisions the Consequences of which will be most probably very fatal to His Majesty's Service, by bringing into the most imminent Danger the Lives and Properties of His Servants which ought by all means to be prevented if possible.

The Council therefore think it their Duty to advise Your Excellency will be pleased to acquaint Capt. [Andrew] Barkley of these circumstances, not doubting but he will perceive that No general Orders can be intended to authorize him to cut off the Provisions actually procured for the necessary Sustenance of the Poor and Inhabitants of this Town, or impower him to interrupt the peaceable Subjects of His Majesty in this Province in pursuing their lawful Commerce.