To the Honourable the Council & Honourable House of Representatives of the State of Massachusetts Bay in general Court Assembled

The Petition of Wm Thompson late andventurer in the Brigantine Lively Nichs Martindale Masr

Humbly Sheweth

That he was bound in said Vessel from Air in Scotland to St Johns Newfoundland but that on the 29th of Octr last he was taken by Saml Tucker & Jno . Skimmer being then in Sight of the land near St Johns. That as soon as said Vessel was Mann'd Was ordered to Boston where she arnved on the 13th of Novr last. —

That your pettitioners native place is near the Port of Whitehaven in: Ould England and there having a family to Support whose whole dependence is on him and who must Ineviteblly come to want without his assistance

He Humbly prays your Honours in your kriown wisdom & goodness would be pleased to grant him liberty to depart for Ireland with Capt McDonald whose Vessel is now laying at Plymouth. And as in duty bound shall ever pray &c.

[Boston, January 3, 1777] ²