To the Hon'ble Council of War sitting at Providence on the 22d. Day of June 1778.
Humbly shew the Subscribers that they in an armed Boat under the Command of William Bentley captured Three Fish Boats belonging to Newport, and a Boat belonging to a Transport-Ship of the Enemy: And that the Expence of trying the Captures before the maritime Court will be so great that it will eat up the Profits: And thereupon they pray as there is not the least Doubt of their being legal Prizes that they with the said William Bentley may be empowered to sell the said Boats with their Tackling either at publick or private Sale and share the Money according to their Articles. And as in Duty bound will ever pray.
John Harwood John Newton Henry Oman Jas St: Willson The Mark of X Richd. Thomas
State of Rhode Island &c In Conl. of War June 22. 1778 Resolved yt. ye Prayer of this Petition be granted Witness Wm. Coddington Clerk
L, R-Ar, Maritime Papers, Revolutionary War (1776–1781), p. 187. Docketed: “John Harwood & Others/for Liberty to Sell a parcell/of Boats taken by them,/belonging to Newport/June 22d. 1778.”
