[Providence, May 1, 1776] 2
Cannot bear with it we like all our officers but Two Capt Hazzard [John Hazard] and mr [Walter] Spooner they carry stick with bullets and Ropes ends to beat us with and are kept from morning till night uppon deck and have scarce time to eat we hope that you will take it into consideration we mean to be true subjects to the country [torn] we mean to do all that lys in our power for the country but wee are used like dogs on Board the providence we hope that you will find a new Captain or a new Vessel We are your humble Servants
1. "Hopkins Papers, RIHS. First part of letter is missing.
2. The date is approximated. Hazard was court martialed May 8, 1776, and Hopkins, in his letter of May 1 to Hancock, intimated that some inquiries as to the conduct of officers of the fleet might soon be made.
