On board the Ship of warr Defence June the 4, 1777
To his Excellency Thomas Johnson Esqr
The Petition of Nathaniel Cooper Humbly Begs Leave to Inform your Excellency that he is desireous of Leaving the Ship of Warr Defence but he is prevented by Capt George Cook Esqr
Your Petitioner has navour Sined the Artickels of Said Ship nor navour had any in tention of going in the [sic] her this Cruise he only Staid In the Ship to oblige Capt Cook untill he Could Supply himself with proper Officer[s] wich he has done Your Petition[er] has Acted as Mate heretofour But Now Capt Cook has Supplied himself with one Your Petitioners Buisnis Calls him otherways therefour hopes your Excellency will have him Re leas'd, and he as in duty bound will for hevour pray.2
1. Red Books, XIX, 26, Md. Arch.
2. In response to the petition, the commanding officer of Defence was ordered to bring Cooper before the Council, and to "be as well prepared as you can, to give us Information of the Reasons wherefore he is detained, if detained against his Will," Council Letter Book (1777-1779), Md. Arch.
