James Hawker Esqr Commander of his Majesty's Ship of War the Mermaid, VS the Brigantine Charles, & her Cargo, Jefferey Tapley Master. —

Libell filed, & entred, Order made thereon, as on file

Register's Office June 3d 1777 —

Peter Martin Midshipman on Board his Majestys ship of War the Mermaid, being duly sworne Deposeth that some time in May last, being then to the southward, of Port Rosaway on the Coast of Nova Scotia, the said Ship Mermaid fell in with, the Brigantine Charles one Jefferey Tapley Master, which Brig they Boarded and found she was in the, Possession of the Rebells who were proceeding with her, to the first Port, they coud make, in the Rebel­ lious Colonies, that Capt Hawker, took Possession of her, took out the Rebells, & mann'd her with, his own, People, & sent her into this Port where she now is

Peter Martin

Jefferey Tapley Master of the Brig Charles, being duly Sworne deposeth, that on the 11th day of May last, being at Anchor on the Banks of Newfoundland, a Privateer Schooner, calld, the Lee, John Skimmer Master, mounting 10 Carriage Gunns, & 18 Swivells, & 4 Cohorns, took the said Brig and, took out of her, 10 Men, and, then mann'd her with the Rebells, and shap'd their Course, for Boston in New Englan'd, that on the 23d day of May, they, fell in with, the Mermaid Man of War, who retook the said Brig and, brought, her safe into, this, Port of Halifax — ²

Jefferey Tapley

Claim of the Brigantine Charles file'd & entre'd as on file Agreeable to the order of Court, a Warrant of Survey, & Appraisement issue'd as on file

Court open'd by makeing Proclamation as usual
Court open'd by makeing Proclamation as usual Libell, order, & return, thereon rea'd
Claim of Mr Elliott Elmes for and in behalf of the owners insurers, & all Concernd rea'd The, Warrant of, Survey, & return thereon rea'd —
The Depositions taken, before, the Register also read —
The Advocate, Genl then, mov'd, for a Decree which was Pronounce'd as on file
Court adjourn'd without Day —