State of the Massachusetts Bay —
To The Honble Councill & the Honble House of Representatives —

The Petition of John Rowe & Joseph Cunningham Commander of the Private Schooner of Warr namd the Phenix [Phoenix] burthen One hundred Tuns Mountd with twelve Carriage & Eight Swivele Guns & Cohorns now Ready for Sea with Men in Proportion 

Humbly Shewith that this Vessell is Ownd by Robert Morris Esqr of Phila­ delphia One of the Honble Congress — & Carter Braxton Esqr of the State of Virginia & Others, That Wee have been at A Large Expence in fitting her for Sea — & Also humbly pray that your honours will permit Us to give Bonds according to the Law of this State, that: the Said. Vessell may proceed to Sea, & your Petitioners as in Duty bound will Every Pray

Boston July 8th 1777

[Endorsed] In Council July 8 1777 On the Petition of John Rowe & Joseph Cunningham praying that they may give bonds according to the Laws of this State for a private Sehr of War to proceed to Sea — Resolved that the prayer of the Petition be granted & that the above Petitioners be & they hereby are permitted to give Bonds according to the law of this State

Sent down for Concurrence

Jn° Avery Dpy Secy 

In the House of Representatives July 8th 1777 Read & Concurr'd

R T Paine Spkr Pr tern