providence May 30 1777 —
Gentn
the Bearer John Dobie is Impowerd to Enter seaman to go on board of a ship Commanded by Capt [John Paul) Jones in order to go to France, & the men he had Enter'd on that service have been Impress'd on board the Ship Warren.
he therefore requests your Assistance in geting them releas'd, otherways he must be obliged to send Express down to Capt Jones, & a line from you Gentn down to Capt Jones Explaing the Reason of the impress may prevent any Blame being lai'd on Sd Dobie ー
John Manley
[Endorsed by Jones] Note from Mr Manley to the Board of War ー on Captn [John Burroughs) Hopkins's having Impressed the Men who [entered) with Mr Dobie for France.
1. Papers of John Paul Jones, 6577, LC.
