Sir

You are already acquainted with the Arrival of the Briga Grogg another of Cap Smedleys Prizes at plimouth, Messrs Witson & Spooner of that place have 'been kind enough to take some Care of the prize & have tendred their Service to act for this State there, we have informed them you are our standing Agent in that State, and will have the Care of that & all our prizes, but as these Gentlemen have laid us under some Obligations by their Good Offices in taking Care of this prize, we wish you in Case you have Occasion to employ any Sub Agent, to give them the preference, and also compensate them for the Services done & Expences incurred or that they may do or incur

Capt Corkran the late Master of the Grogg is with me, & sollicits the Briga may be given him, in Consideration of the Hardship of his Case, & his former Friendship to these States, & the loss of Interest he claims to have incurred by declining to Act offensively against us, I would have him treated according to the Rules of Justice & Honor as he may appear to merit.

The enclosed Invoice & Letter mention sundry Articles as in his Chest, which he alledges that he landed in Scotland, I trust proper Examination will be made whether the Fact be as he represents.

I wish you to move the maritime Court that the prize may be unladen, & the Cargo disposed of in the best manner for the Safety & Benefit of the Concerned ー the Articles of provision & Butter, that part thereof which belongs to the State, should chuse to have retained for the use of this State, by an equal Division if permissible, if not that they be purchased at the Sale for Account of the State ー

I hope to hear from you from Time to Time, & receive advice of your proceedings.

The rule of Division, by Contract with our People on board the Armed Vessells of this State hath been and is thus Vizt after deducting first one twentieth paid for the State, the remaing part is divided Two Thirds to the State & one Third to the Captain & Crew ー of which you will please to take Notice in the partition of the prizes now brought in.

To Mr Sam Elliot Agent