Cambridge, 4th Feby 1776.
To Winthrop Sargent Cape Ann
Acknowledged Receipt of his Letter of the 2nd Ins giving an Acct of the Brig Henry & Esther, laden with 62 Cord of Wood, 150 Butts with Water, 40 Suits of Soldiers Bedding, taken by Captain [Daniel] Waters & Captain [Samuel] Tucker 2 & sent into Swan [Squam] Harbour ー ordered the private Property to be given up, after Captain Nelles proves the same on Oath, to libel her immediately. If the Harbour is unsafe, to remove her to a Place more secure.
If the Sailors will engage on Board of any of our armed Vessels for 12 Month they will be entitled to one Month's Pay Advance; but they must be dispersed so that many of them may not be on Board any one Vessel.
1. Washington Papers, Varick Transcripts, LC.
2. Captains respectively of Washington's schooners Lee and Franklin.
