Newport October 24th 1776ー
Sir
Upon the Tryal of Samuel Erlom and Thomas Donehoe for Mutiny on-board the Ship Royal Exchange, it appeared that the Mutiny was encouraged or put on foot by the former Captn of her; in which he Employ'd his Steward to promise them twenty Guineas a Man, and half the Ship and Cargo when they should arrive in England ー and on this Intelligence I think it will be right for you, at least to stop his private Adventure, 'till the matter is clear'd up ー2 Sir you are hereby Impowered to act as Agent for the Officers & People belonging to the American Fleet, for all Vessels that may come within your State ー I am in behalf of the Officers and People Sir [&c.]
E. H
To John Langdon Esqr. Agent for the American Navy in the State of New Hampshire
1. Hopkins Letter Book, RIHS.
2. Hopkins became convinced that Captain Lawrence Bowden was "innocent of Seducing the People to Retake the Ship," and ordered that part "of his Adventure" be released to him. Hopkins to Abraham Whipple, November 12, 1776, ibid.
