[Baltimore] January [19] 1777 2
To the Honorable the Council of Safety of Maryland.
The Remonstrance and Petition of Andrew Glasby late Master of the Snow George, most humbly representeth, that some Time ago, your Remonstrant's Vessel, with all her Hands and Cargo was made Captive of by George Cooke Esq re, Commander of the Ship Defence of this Province. — That amongst others of the Captivated, a free Negro Man, called by the Name of Partyfall, happened among the Number, who was at that Time entered on Board your Remonstrant's Snow at the Rate of Seven Dollars per Month, in the Capacity of a common Sailor. — Your Remonstrant and Petr humbly representeth unto your Honours that he is given to understand, that when a free Negro doth not inlist or take up Arms in Defence of Great Britain against America in the present unhappy Contest, the Honble Congress have passed a Resolve, that he should have and enjoy the same Freedoms and Privileges with other Freemen of the State — Yr Remonstrant and Petitioner further sheweth unto your Honours, that such is the Custom of the Place from whence this Negro came, that the Person in whose Ship or Vessel he enters, is obliged to give Bond, with sufficient Security, under a heavy Penalty, for a safe Return of the said Negro: And to prevent Frauds it is added, that in Case such Negro should die on his Passage, the Person giving such Security shall he obliged to. carry to the Place from whence he was carried or taken both his Ears. — Your Remonstrant further representeth unto your Honours that he has divers Times mentioned this Matter to the said George Cooke Esqre, and requested of him to deliver to your Remonstrant the said Negro, in Order that your Remonstrant might thereby rele[ase] his Securities. — And as the said George Cooke Esqre hath altogether refused to give up to your Petitioner the said Negro, he therefore prays your Honours Interposition therein And he as in Duty bound will ever pray &ca