To the Honble Board of the Massachusetts Bay

The Petition of Resolve Smith —

Humbly Sheweth

That whereas your honors Petitioner is a native of New Jersey and hath a Brother & Sister in that State, and many Other relations; but has for these 20 Years last past resided in London and now hath an Appointment to be Secratary to the Governor of the Island of St Vincents; but on his passage to Said Island was Taken & Brought into this State, as Set forth in the annexed Certificate from the Committee of Beverly; by which he is detained from the Amofoments Arising from his post —

And as your honors Petitioner has procured a Vessel, and can Obtain a Sufficient number of men (prisoners to this State) to Navigate her, and purposes to return Said Vessel to Charles Town in South Carolina, & is desireous as a Friend to his native Country to be Some way Serviceable to these States; which he humbly Apprehends his Station in the Islands will enable him to be Should this Honble Board in their wisdom think proper to Assign him papers to transact the Exchange of Prisoners for which he is willing to give Good Security for the faithful discharge of any trust their honors may please to repose in him —

Therefore your honors Petitioner most humbly prays that he may have liberty to depart with Said Vessel, and to put Onboard a Cargo of Lumber in Order to Defray the Charges of the Voyage, to be delivered in St Lucia, or Some one of the Other French West India Islands And your Petitioner as in Duty bound Shall ever pray &c &c &c

Boston Feby 27th 1777

[Enclosure] In the State of Massachusetts Bay
In Committe of Corrispondence Inspection & Safty in the Town of Beverly Feby 18th 1777 —

These may certify whom it may concern that Capt Resolve Smith a Pasinger on board the Friends Adventure, a Marchant Vessell Bound from London to the West Indies, was taken by Capt Elias Smith & Corny on board the Arm'd Brigt Washington & brought into this Port sometime in Jany last and hath since that time made this place his residence, during which term he hath behaved himself in a friendly prudent & Complisaint manner, so that we can consistent with our Duty recommend him & do hereby recommend him, to the Honble Council of this State for the bestowment of such favours as they in their wisdome shall think prudent to a Person in like circumstances.

By Order of the Committee
Joseph Wood Chairman ² ​