State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
In Council of War. Providence April 25th. 1778.
Sir,
You being intrusted with the Care of a Cartel Vessel to carry Supplies to the Prisoners in Newport, are to proceed there as soon as possible, and proceed in all Respects agreeable to a Resolve of this Council; on your Arrival at the first Ship you are to apply to the Commanding Officer, for Liberty to proceed to Newport, and on your Arrival there, you are to apply to General Pigot,1 for Liberty to visit the Prison Ships, Goal, Hospitals, and all other places where any of our Prisoners may be confined and you are to distribute the Refreshments you may carry with you amongst the Prisoners, in such Quantities as you in your Discretion shall think proper; you are to make all the Dispatch you can in executing this Business, and to return as soon as possible.2
You are to take Care to preserve the Character of the Flag, by avoiding every Act inconsistent with the constant Usage in such cases, and the strictest Honor. I am Sir [&c.]
Nichs Cooke
L, RHi, Rhode Island Historical Society Manuscripts, vol. 3, p. 47, no. 551. Addressed below close: "Colo. William Barton." Barton was colonel of Stanton's Regiment, Rhode Island State Troops.
1. Maj. Gen. Sir Robert Pigot.
2. Barton arrived at Newport on 28 Apr. and was accompanied by a vigilant British officer on a short visit to American prisoners in the provost. He was ordered by Pigot to return up Narragansett Bay the same day. Mackenzie, Diary 1: 271–72.
