To the Honorable the Council & the Honorable the House of Representatives of the State of Massachusetts Bay
The Petition of David Smith humbly sheweth That your Petitioner has been lately taken in the Schooner called the three Brothers, whereof Your Petitioner was Master & part owner, by Capt Fisk, in the Tyrannicide, an Armed Sloop in the service of this State, & carried into Dartemouth ー half of said Schooner & Cargo have been decreed by the Maritime Court forfeited to this State as Nova Scotia property, whereby Your Petitioner suffers the loss of a Quarter part of said Vessel & Cargo, which, with his private Adventure, being all your Petitioner had to depend on for the support of a large Family with six young Children & an Aged Father & Mother. Your Petitioner prays the Honoble Court would extend the favor that has been granted unto others under similar circumstances, & order that his private adventure be restored to him, & would also pray for the same indulgence to the Sea-men belonging to said Schooner ー And Your Petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray.
John Pitts for and in behalf
of David Smithー
[Endorsed] In Council Octr 17 1776 Read & Comitted to Moses Gill Esqr with such as the Honble House shall join to take the above Petition under Consideration ー Sent down for Concurrence
John Avery Dpy Secy
In the House of Represent[ative]s Octr 17, 1776 Read and Concurred and Colo Sartell & Majr Eppes are joined
J Warren Spkr