Newbern July th 22 1777
Gentm
I being Put in master of Sloop Diamond by Govr Coock belonging to th State of Rhode island & By him ordered to Boltemore in mariland to th Adress of misstr Sam Purviance & Co marchants thare to be Loaded by them & then to Return back to the Said State of Rode island I was Chased by th Enemy as will more Plainly apare by the Protest I hare with Send I was forst to Bare away for this Port whare I was an intire Stranger & was much a Aloos to No what was best to be Done for the Benefit of th voyge made appliction to Richd Ellis Esqr marchant hare and Contenettiall Agent for this Place who Generously Supplyed me with A thou sand & fifty Dollars to Enable me to Lode th vessil who toock No other Securety th order I had from th Govr to my Self &misstr Proviance & Co in th Last mantioned was orders to them to Draw on you Gentm for th Accounts of th Cargo thay was to Ship I have Now Given Bills to misstr Ellis for th Amounts he has furnished me with & I make No Dout but it will meet with Du honner I Am Gentm [&c.]
Timothy Coffin
Messrs Ellery& marchant Phila
1. Maritime Papers, Revolutionary War, 1776-81, 78, R.I. Arch.
