To the Honble John Foster Esq Judge of the Court Erected for the Trial of Prize Causes within and for the Colony of Rhode Island &c

Whereas it is absolutely necessary for the Safety of our Country at this important Period that every possible Encouragement should be given for Counteracting the Designs of our Cruel Enemies who are daily expected on our Coasts and as fitting out Privateering Vessels to act against them has a most certain Tendency to defeat the plans of our Enemies by preventing Supplies and taking their Men ー And as a privateering Vessel is now fitting out in the Town of Providence and Guns for Supplying the same are very much wanted without which she cannot be equipped for Sea: Therefore

We the Subscribers pray that your Honor would order the Sheriff of the County of Providence or his Deputy to Sell at public Vendue Four of the Guns taken on board the prize Ship called the True Blue now in his Custody to the Highest Bidder in order that there may be an Opportunity as soon as possible for purchasing Guns for Supplying said Privateering Vessel with the Same And that he may be directed to sell the same as soon as may be after giving due notice of the Time and place of sale ー

The public Safety in our Opinion requiring that this Measure Should be taken ー

[Endorsed] Received June 22: 1776 and Granted

Jn^o Foster Judge of said Court

Warrant to the Sheriff was issued and delivered to him the same Day to sell the 4 Guns at public Vendue to the highest Bidder