The Court after Mature Consideration are Unanimously of Opinion that the first & third Articles of Charge are proved Against Capt. McNeill & also such part of the fourth as that he was Guilty of Neglect of duty in not Exercising his Cannon at Sea during the Cruise1 The Court are of Opinion that the 2d. 4th. & 6th. articles of Charge are not Supported and the Court are of Opinion that the said Hector MoNeill has been Guilty of a Breach of an important duty intrusted to him by his Country in declining to fight the Enemy when it was in his power and thereby to have maintained the Honour and done Essential Benefit to the States of America The Court therefore Unananimously Adjudge the said Hector McNeill to be dismissed from the Service of the United States of America and the said Hector MNeill is Accordingly hereby dismissed the Service aforesaid & declared incapable of hereafter holding any office in the Navy of said States—
Dudley Saltonstall Presidt.
Ship Raleigh Boston Harbour June 24th. 1778
a true Copy of the Original Attestr Willm: Story C N B E D2
D, DNA, PCC, item 42, vol. 5, pp. 87–88 (M247, roll 55). Docketed: “Sentence of the Court Martial/on Captain Hector McNeill."
1. Continental Navy frigate Boston, Capt. Hector McNeill, commander, cruised with Continental Navy frigate Hancock, Capt. John Manley, commander, from 21 May to 7 July 1777, when Hancock was captured by H.M. frigate Rainbow.
2. That is, Clerk of the Navy Board of the Eastern Department.
