Province of the Massachuts Bay To the Honorable Provincial Congress that is to Set at Watertown to Transact the Publick Affairs of Said Province on Wednesday 31st of May 1775 ー The Petition of the Inhabitants of the Town of Kittery in the County of York Humbly Shews

That the Town of Kittery in the County of York being a Frontier Town and Several Ships of War now riding at Anchor Directly Opposite to the Town having a Number of Marines on board and have given out that they will have provisions at all Events the Inhabitants from their threats are Obliged to Keep a constant watch; being in daily expectations of a Greater force being Sent this way in order to collect provisions & Deprive them of all their Property if not their lives; The River of Piscataqua being Navagable for large Ships For Miles it must be very Distressing to the Sea Ports; and whereas we have Sent one third part of our men capable to bear arms to Joyn the Provincial army, Such a Situation appears to leave us weak and defenceless; Therefore Your Petitioners for the Reasons Above mentioned, with many more than might be Added, Humbly pray, that some part of the forces may be ordered to this Town, under the same Regulations with those that may Remain at the Head Quarters, or otherwise relieve your Petitioners as you in Your Wisdom Shall think fit and Your Petitioners Shall Ever Prayー

for and behalf of Said Town

At A Legal Town meeting held in Kittery may 25th 1775 Voted that William Leighton Town Clerk Sign and forward the Above Petition for and in behalf of Said Town to the Provincial Congress

Attest W^m Leighton Tn Clerk