Philadelphia, July 29, 1778.
Sir,
I am directed by the Council of Pennsylvania to apply to you for blank Commissions, for private ships of War. The six which you were pleased to forward are filled up, but the Bond for the last is not yet compleated, as the Gentlemen who are to sign are not in the City. The whole six Bonds shall be delivered to you in a few days. As there is now a Gentleman waiting for a Commission, I shall thank you for such a number as you may think to send me immediately. And am with the greatest respect, [&c.]
T.M.
Pennsylvania Archives, 1st ser, 6: 670. Addressed: “To Hon'bl Henry Laurens, Esq., Prest., &c."
1. To receive a letter of marque and reprisal, owners and captains of “private ships of War" or privateers had to complete an application, or commission, and post a bond of either $5,000 or $10,000 depending on the size of the vessel.
