26 July 1776
Libel filed and entered order made thereon as on file
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Edward Shepherd mate of his Majesty's Ship of War being duly Sworn deposeth that the Sloop Britania was taken off of Cape Anne by Captain Burr Commander of the Milford on or about the 16th. Instant, that she was Bound to Boston loaded with wood, that he never saw any Papers.
Edward Shepherd,
Sworne to the day and Year first above written.
Charles Morris junr Regrー
Wednesday 14th August 1776
Court opened by making Proclamation as usual. Proclamation again made for all Claimers to appear & Assert their Claims, & defend their rights to the Sloop Britania and her Cargo, none appeared. The Advocate General then moved for a decree, which was Pronounced as on file, whereby the said Sloop and her Cargo were Condemned as Lawful Prize to the Captors thereof. Court adjourned without day in this Cause.2
1. Vice Admiralty Register, vol. 5, 1769-1777, N.S. Arch.
2. Ibid., this date the sloop Success was also condemned as a legal prize of H.M. Sloop Kings-fisher.
