Cambridge 15th Decemr 1775
Sir,
I wrote you this day by Mr Burke to which you will please be refered ー the General was Much Surprisd at the Rapacity of the Crews in Stripping the prizes of every Little thing they Coud Lay their hands upon ー it is now his positive Comand that you make a Strict enquirey for the different articles which have been taken, & such as can be got returned to the proper owners & that Such articles as cannot be found must be made good to them the same to be deducted from the shares of those whom it can be proved were the pilagers, if they cannot be found out ー it must be a charge upon the one third belonging to the Captors ー of this you must acquaint Captain Manly & the Agent for the people if any Such is by them appointed
His Exy desires, you will pay a Strict attention to this order, & that he may not be plagued with any more applications of this sort ー
1. Washington Papers, LC.