Continental Navy Board [Philadelphia] 16th Augt 1777.
The Officers of British Ships of War have set on Shoar several Persons belonging to American Merchantmen taken by them; these Persons they have considered as Prisoners on Parole; — The American Marine Comm. discharged British Merchantmen taken by their Vessels, not considering them as Prisoners of War — this being the Case it is necessary to come to an Explanation. A negotiation is now on Foot for that & other Purposes, & will, it is expected, be determined in a few Days. In the mean Time, however, the Crews of American Merchantmen so set on Shoar, ought to be considered as Prisoners on Parole —
Fras Hopkinson John Wharton
1. Harbeck Collection, HUL.
