Cambridge first Februa[ry] 1776
Sir
Your favor of the 29th ulto is Come to hand there must be an enquirey made into the Conduct of that Comander who So shamefully deserted his Commodore please to Let the General know which of the Schooners it was ー the General thinks it will be proper that the Captains of these vessels, prove upon oath their private property, after which you may delive[r] to them all except the beeff & pork, which he thin[ks] most probable belongs to the vessels, if it does not it is clear that they must be meant for Supplying the enemy, upon that principle, he does not think it will be proper to give them unto the Captains ー
His Excellency has no objections to these gentleme[n] returning to Plymouth, nor has he any objection to their disposeing of the Bazes & Check at your place if they Chuse it, he is pleased, that the scho[oners are] under way, as many ships are expected I am Sir [&c.]
On the Service of the United Colonies
To William Watson Esqr
Agent for the American Navy, Plymouth
By Capt Hall Capt Grindal
