Boston 16th February 1776.
Sir,
Having already had the Honor of Acquainting you of our appointment, by Samuel Graves Esqr Vice Admiral of the White, to be Agents or Factors for selling such Vessels and Cargoes as have been brought into this Harbour by His Majesty's Ships of War, and are either deemed Rebel Property, or wanted for the use of the Garrison, and having laid our whole Proceedings before you, which we flatter ourselves have met your approbation; we now beg leave to furnish and inclose you the State and Condition of the Vessels and Cargoes in our charge, and to request that you would be pleased to have Reference to Admiral Graves's Order to us on that head, which empowers us not only to take charge of the Vessels mentioned in it, but likewise of such others as we may find in the Harbour, not owned by People residing in this Town, Agreeable to which we have Added, all that have come to our knowledge in the List now presented.
And as he empowers and Orders us discretionally to sell Vessels or Cargoes that are liable either to perish or to be embezzled, and as we humbly conceive the Inclemency of the Weather has opened the Seams of the sides and Decks, that most or all the Cargoes, are Subject to perish, and as most of the Vessels have been Stript of their Sails, Cables, Anchors, and small Stores, and in general have not Sufficient Ground Tackle to Moor them, this Added to our Inability to procure a Sufficient Number of Men to take care of them, makes it difficult to Secure them; we therefore think it incumbent upon us to acquaint you therewith, and to pray your directions for our future Conduct respecting them, And to off er it to your Opinion, whether it would not be better, under their present Circumstances, that the Cargoes that are in danger of suffering be sold, for the benefit of Government or whoever may be proved to be the Proprietors. We have the Honor to be Sir [&c.]
Signed |
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Rd Lechmere
Alexr Brymer |