To the Honorable The Continental Congress of the United States of America —

The petition of Gotlieb Klose a Native of Silesia and late Missionary from the United Brethren to the Negroes in the Island of Jamaica, humbly sheweth

That your petitioner after a residence of Six Years in the said Island, took his Passage in the Snow Thomas, Thomas Nicolson Master, bound to Bristol, in Ordr to proceed to his own Country, and on the 12th Day of Decr last was taken by the Continental Cruiser Andrew Doria. That your petitioner is a poor Tradesman and has all his effects on board said Snow in One Large Chest containing his Shoemakers Tools, &c One Larg & one small Trunk contain his Cloathing Linnen &c and has no kind of Wares for Traffick. his Keys he left with the Prize Master — [Joshua] Barney. Your Petitioner requests the Honorable Congress would be pleased to grant him an Order for the releasement of his said Goods in Order that he may obtain them again, And your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray —

Philadelphia January 22d 1777.

[Endorsed] Philada Jany 28th 1777 — I am of opinion the within Cloaths & Tools being proved to be the property of the passenger as mentioned Shou'd be given up to him —

Rob^t Morris —
V. P. of Marine Commee