These may certifie That The Bearer Robert Gragg [Cragg], late Chief Mate on Board The Ship Anna Maria, from Barbadoes for London, Wm Pringle Commander; and taken by the Privateer sloop Revenge of Salem Joseph White Commander. That said Gragg, ever since he was set on shore here in Salem, has behaved in a very orderly and peaceable manner; is, we believe, a man of sound Morals, of sobriety and temperance; in no wise given to bad Company, a sincere friend to the Cause of America. But being now well advanced in life (upwards of sixty) of a very infirm Constitution, unable to endure the severities of This or the English Climate, He Humbly prays The favour of the Honourable the Council of This State, That of Their Goodness, They will grant him The liberty, to go to the West Indies in any Vessel that may hereafter be bound There; ー a Climate, He, a number of years past has been accustomed to; That he may pass the small remainder of his life There in Peace. ー He frankly and with gratitude acknowledges, and declares, That on all occasions will acknowledge, That he has been always treated with the greatest civility and kindness since his being made a Captive. May [it] please your Honours, as we are of opinion, That, he said Gragg, is truly sincere in his above declaration and a worthy honest man, Pray your Honours indulgence in this Case, and That his prayer may be granted.ー

Salem 1st Octor 1776.

[Endorsed] State of Massachusetts Bay In Council Oct. 17th 1776 On the Petition of Robert Cragg, praying he the said Cragg may have liberty to depart this State to the west Indies in any Vessel that may hereafter be bound there ー Order'd that the sd Robert Cragg have the Liberty he petitions for ー and that he have liberty to depart this State accordingly to the west Indies ー and it is recommended to the Commanders of armd Vessels and others to let the sd Cragg pass unmolested accordingly

John Avery Dpy Secy