Col. [William] Moultrie & Lt Col. [Isaac] Huger having applied to the Council for Advice in Regard to the Inlistments of Men, who are said to have deserted from the Sea Service; Capt. [John] Tollemache² having intimated, that if he lost any he must distress the Trade.

They were advised to give an Answer, if applied to, to this Effect.

We did not know that we had inlisted any of your Men, but if any of them have inlisted, we dare not Give them up.