State of Maryland ss
To the Honourable Benjamin Nicholson Esqr Judge of the Court of Admiralty for the State of Maryland Afsd

The Libell of George Cooke (Commander.of the Ship of War Called the defence) who in behalf of Himself the Officers and Mariners of the said Ship as.well as.the state Aforesaid Owner thereof Sheweth to your Honor that Whereas the Honourable the Continental Congress did in the Year One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy Six by Resolves Permit the Inhabitants of these Colonies to fit out Armed Vessels & make Prize of all Vessels their tackle Apparel Furniture and Cargoe &c belonging to any of the Subjects of Great Britain And Whereas the State of Maryland Aforesaid did by Virtue of these Resolves fit out Arm and Acquip the Aforesaid Ship defence and Obtain a Commission for your Libellant as Commander of the same And your Libellant further Sheweth to your Honor that on or about the day of 1776 Since the Making of the Resolves Aforesaid he made a Prize on the High Sea of the Sloop Called the Daniel her tackle Apparel and Cargo &c lately Commanded by Henry Gearveiss and Owned by Samuel Sandys Miles Barber and Co all of. them Subjects of the King of Great Britain — Your Libellant therefore humbly prays that your Honor will Condemn the Said Sloop Daniel together with her Tackle Apparel Furniture and the Goods Wares and Merchandizes taken on board her as lawful Prize of War to the Captors and the State of Maryland Agreeable to the Resolves of the Honourable Congress And this State Aforesaid And your Libellant as in duty Bound will pray &c —

18th Novr 1776