To the Honble the Council And House of Representatives of the State of the Massachusetts Bay
The Memorial of the Committee of Correspondence, Inspection and Safety, for, the Town of Newbury port,
Humbly Sheweth,

That there are now in this Town, a Number of the Subjects of the King of Great Britain, who were Taken & Sent into this port in Vessels, Either Employ'd in his Immediate Service, or by the Inhabitants of his Dominions, As at present We have no Authority to Restrain those People, they have been down to our Fort, Viewed the Entrance And Every other part of our Harbour, and Daily Visiting our Wharfs Frigates and Armed Vessels, now Laying here; By Indulging them in these Libertys, We Concieve they will be able, When they Return to England, to Give our Enemy, Some Interesting Intelligence, ー We Would further Represent to your Honrs that by their taking Lodgings in Different parts of the Town, they have Contracted an Acquaintance with many of the Inhabitants, to whom they Represent Our Situation, in the Darkest Colours, and the Enemy we are now Contending with as Invincible, We therefore Beg your Honrs would Order, that those who are not Willing to Enter on Board the Continental Frigates, or Privateers, may be Removed to Some Inland Town, till they are Exchanged or otherwise Released.

In Behalf & pr Order of the Committee

Newbury port 18th October 1776

[Endorsements]
In Council Octr 25, 1776.
Read & Ordered that Danl Hopkins Esqr with such as may be joined by the Hon House be a Committee to take the above Memorial into consideration, and to consider the matter at Large.

Sent down for concurrence
John Avery Dpy Secy

In the house of Representaltives] Octr 25 1776
Read and Concurred and Mr Murray and Mr Cooper are joined

J Warren Spkr

Colo Orne is added to the Comte