[York, Pa.] May 6th 1778.
Gentlemen
We are informed by Letter from Captain John Young of the Continental Brig Independence on the Bar of Occracock but that he had saved the Guns & Sundry other things from the Wreck which we have now directed him to put under your care and which you will please to give receipts for. Should that business not be accomplished when this reaches, you, we request you will have it done, and depend on your care that nothing be lost which can be saved.1 As we have immediate services for Captain Young his Officers & men, we have directed him to march them to Portsmouth in Virginia and there follow such Instructions as he may receive from Governor Henry.2 You will advance Captain Young Money for his Expences, and we shall pay your Bills for the same or otherwise reimburse you. We are with regard [&c.]
LB, DNA, PCC, Marine Committee Letter Book, fol. 181 (M332,roll 6). Addressed before opening: “Messrs Hewes & Smith.” Hewes and Smith were Continental agents at Edenton, N.C.
1. Young's letter reporting the grounding of Independence on the bar at Ocracoke Inlet, N.C., has not been found. On what was saved from the wreck, see the note at Continental Marine Committee to Young, this date, above, and Continental Marine Committee to Hewes, Smith, and Allen, 20 Feb. 1779. DNA, PCC, Marine Committee Letter Book, fol. 208 (M332, roll 6).
2. See Continental Marine Committee to Young, this date, above.
