On board the Boston a Sea June 19th 1778.
Mr. Joshua Goss
You being appointed by me Prize Master of the Brig John & Rebecca,1 a Prize taken by the Boston Frigate myself commander, my Orders to you are that you Proceed Imediately to Boston or any other Port in america that you may think Safe and on your arrival you are to deliver my Letter to the Honble Navy Board2 and the other to Gaberal Johonnet Esqr3 agent for mySelf & Crew and you are to tarry on board Untill he Dismises you Legally and in discharging these orders You will Due your Duty.4 Yours Well wisher
Samuel Tucker
NB Mr Goss Remember me to all at home telling them I have no time to Write Seeing a Sail to windward
Copy, MH-H, Samuel Tucker Papers (MS Am 812). Docketed: “Coppy of Orders to/Joshua Goss, Prize Master/of the John & Rebecca/June 19th. 1778.—”
1. For more on the capture of the brig John & Rebecca, George Finlay, master, see Journal of Continental Frigate Boston, this date, above.
2. See Tucker to the Continental Navy Board of the Eastern Department, this date, above.
3. Gabriel Johonot, Continental prize agent.
4. John & Rebecca was recaptured by H.M. frigate Porcupine, Capt. William Clement Finch, off the Newfoundland Banks on 8 July. Journal of Ambrose Serle, 8 July, above.
