The Petition of Joseph Patrick Humbly Sheweth. that where as He himself and a Number of others Did on August the 30th 1775 take Into Custody two Vessels the one Belonging to Nathan Jones the Other to Jonathan Rich Which has Ocationed a great exspence; to your Petitioner and others this to your Honours must Appear evident when they are Informed that it is now all ready thirty days since he himself & five others 3 at Newbury Port and 2 here, besides 2 evidences ー the one of which has been entir[e]ly maintain'd by him ー . the other some Part of the time and also 9 men to take care and g[ua]rd Said Vessels ー . these have been maintain'd by him and one or 2 more; All which exspence your Petitioner Humbly Prays you would take Into your Wise Considerations and Alow to him as much your Honours In Your Great Wisdoms may think Proper And Your Petitioner as In duty Bound shall ever Pray &c ー .
Joseph Patrick
Watertown October the 5 1775
N B It may be rememberd that the 7 have traveled Above 250 miles ー .
1. Mass. Arch., vol. 180, 187.