Watertown, Febry, 5th 1776.
Dear Sirs
Your favr of the 2d Inst is now before me; I have not had the Pleasure of seeing Capt Allen, but the business upon which he came has been laid before the Board, & they find themselves vested with no power to commissionate any Vessels, but only Such as are owned within this Colony. I believe that every one of the Council, wou'd rejoice in meeting your wish, could they do it with propriety: I will inclose you, if I can, that Paragraph of the Law which restricts their conduct in this matter.
There is one method of doing it, which, in my opinion is very plain & easy to you, who have such large acquaintance in this Colony, vizt. Transferr the property to some friend here, whom you can confide in; then that Friend may apply to the Board, who will, doubtless, give all the dispatch you can wish.
I hope you will excuse my voluntary Opinion, & believe me to remain, dear Sirs [&c.]