[York, Pa.] June 18th 1778
Gentlemen
We desire that a Court of Inquiry may be held to enquire into the Cause of the loss of the Continental Brig Independence John Young Esqr Commander And if it shall appear that the same was occasioned by the negligence or MalConduct of the Captain or any other Commissioned Officer belonging to that Vessel that then a Court Martial be held for the Trial of the Officer so offending agreeable to a Resolve of Congress of the 6th of May last.1 We have ordered Captain Young to repair to Baltimore and hope you will be able to proceed upon that business immediately It is our desire that you Order the seamen of the Independence to be paid off their wages. We have agreed that the Officers of the said Brig shall have liberty to make a voyage in Private service their pay to cease during that time, and to inform us when they return that they may be again ordered upon service should there be occasion for them. We are Gentn [&c.]
LB, DNA, PCC, Marine Committee Letter Book, fol. 157 (M332, roll 6). Addressed before opening: “The Commiss's. of the Navy Board at Baltimore."
1. The Marine Committee on this date sent an almost identically worded letter to Capt. John Young. PCC, DNA, Marine Committee Letter Book, fol. 157 (M332, roll 6). For more on the loss of the Independence, see Marine Committee to Young, 6 May, in NDAR 12: 277. The Court of Inquiry was not held until October 1779.
