By His Excellency Sir WILLIAM HOWE, K.B.
General and Commander in Chief, &c. &c. &c.
PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS a considerable Quantity of Naval Stores is known to be in this City, the Property of which has not been thoroughly ascertained; and whereas Importations have been made of sundry Articles which may be wanted for His Majesty's Service. It is hereby required, that all Persons having in their Possession, and not in actual Use, Cordage, Anchors, Cables, Sails, Sail-Cloth, Twine, Pitch, Tar, Rosin, Turpentine, Masts, Yards, Spars, Oars, Plank and ShipTimber, do report to the Quarter-Master-General, as soon as possible after the Publication hereof, and before the 19th Day of this current Month, the Quantity of each Article; declaring upon Oath, how long the same has been in their Possession, and the Names of the real Proprietors thereof; distinguishing, to the best of their Knowledge, the Time of the Importation, and also distinguishing the Articles manufactured here: It is further required, that no Naval Stores are to be disposed of, by Sale, or otherwise, from this Date, without Permission in Writing from me; or, in my Absence, from the Commanding Officer of His Majesty's Troops in this City.
All Persons failing to report as above directed, or who may be found removing or selling any Part of the said Stores, after the Date, or contrary to the Spirit and Intent of this Proclamation, shall be liable to forfeit the same.
Given under my Hand at Head-Quarters in Philadelphia,
the 12th Day of January, 1778.
By His EXCELLENCY'S Command,
ROBERT MACKENZIE, Secretary.
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[Philadelphia] PRINTED byJAMES HUMPHREYS, JUNR. in Market-street, between Front and Second-streets.
