At a Committee held on board the Providence at Sea the 16th of July 1776 by Order of Jno P Jones Esqr to Consider the Conduct of Nicholas Johnson Master of the Schooner First Attempt under our Convoy Since our Departure from Boston & particularly Yesterday while the Providence was in Chace & Since that Time. ー

Whereas Nicholas Johnson Master of the First Attempt hath paid no proper attention to the Signals made by the Providence for his Government Since our departure from Boston Especially Yesterday while the Providence was in Chace before the Wind & had given him the Signal to make Sail. ー When, instead of obeying, he took in his Sails till he fell a Considerable way a Stern And then hawled Close by the Wind. ー And Whereas he hath persisted in this Obstinate & Unjustifiable Conduct ever Since by not bearing down in the Night nor Since Day Light this morning, When he could plainly discover the Signals made from time to time on board here

Therefore the members of this Comittee being the principal Commission'd & warrant Officers of the Providence who have hereunto Subscribed are Unanimous in their opinion & do Verily believe that the Said Nicholas Johnson hath Used & is using his utmost Endeavours to get away from ー the Providence & that without any Just reason and perhaps from bad Motives. ー