To the Hon^ble. Council of the State of 

Massachusetts bay—

The Memorial of James Warren in behalf of 

the Navy Board Eastern department —

Sheweth 

That the public Service of America at this time requires the Aid & Assistance of their Naval Force–That the Continental Vessells of war under the direction of the Navy Board for the Eastern department, are in want of men, to render them Capable of Acting Agreeable to the desire and orders of the Hon^ble Congress, that there are a Number of good Seamen on board the Guard Ship of this State, who this board are informed are ready and willing to Enter into the American Navy if permitted by your Honours,—

Your Memorialist therefore prays your Honours to pass an order to the Commissary of Prisoners,¹ to permit such of the Prisoners on board said Ship as Incline, to Inlist in any of the Continental Vessells of war to Sign their Articles, and go on board the Ship or Vessell they shall Choose without any delay²

Boston July 18. 1778