(Copy)

At A Court Martial assembled and held Onboard His Majesty's Ship Somerset at Boston in New England the 27th day of February 1775

Present

Edward Le Cras Esqr Senior Captain of His Majs Ships and Vessels at Boston, President.

who being all duly Sworn

The Court in pursuance of an Order from Samuel Graves Esqr Vice Admiral of the Blue and Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels employed and to be employed in the River St. Lawrence &ca proceeded to try Lieutt William Hunter Commander, and Mr. Maltis Lucullus Ryall Master of his Majesty's Brig Gaspee for the death of John Lutey Seaman, late belonging to the said Brig, and the Court having heard all the Evidence and Carefully examined into every Circumstance attending the desertion of the four Seamen with the Brig's Boat; and very naturely weighed and considered the whole are of Opinion that it being proved to the Court, the four Seamen were in the Act of desertion with the King's Boat at Falmouth Harbour in Casco Bay on the 13th of February 177 5, Lieutenant Hunter in doing his duty behaved like a good Officer by Firing at them on their refusing to return according to his Orders; and that Mr Maltis Lucullus Ryall the Master of the said Brig is justified in obeying the Lieutenant's Order to fire likewise; The Court do therefore acquit the said Lieutenant William Hunter and Mr. Maltis Lucullus Ryall of the Murder of the said John Lutey, and they are hereby acquitted accordingly.

G. Gefferina, appointed to execute the Office of Deputy Judge Advocate A True Copy

G. Gefferina.

[Endorsed] Sentence of a Court martial. In Vice Adml Grave's Letter/dated 4h March 1775.