To the Honorable the Council of the Massachusetts Bay State ー
The petition of John Winthrop & Stephen Bruce humbly sheweth that they are owners of the Sloop Adam, George Creighton Commander now ready to sail for the Island of Hispanolia & being desirous of procuring a quantity of Cannon & military stores, they intend purchasing 'em at said Island, & for the better securing the same & defending the said Sloop, will have her well arm'd on her homeward passage & take on board an additional number of Men with orders to proceed with all speed for some port on this Continent ー Wherefore as 'tis probable the said Vessel may meet with some belonging to our enemies, & will be in a condition to make prizes of them ー Your petitioners humbly pray that your Honors will commissionate the said Commander to qualify him therefor & your petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray ー
Step Bruce for Mr John Winthrop & Self
Watertown July 15th 1776
[Endorsed] In Council July 16. 1776 Read & comitted to Moses Gill and Francis Dana Esqrs to report thereon
Jno Avery Dpy Secy
1. Mass. Arch., vol. 165, 427, 427a.
