State of the Massa Bay

To the Honble the Council and Honble House of Representatives in General Court Assembled

The Petition of Uriah Oakes and William Shattuck Owners of the Brig Hawke a private Vessel of War Commanded by Jonathan Oaks

Humbly Shew ー

That in Consequence of your petrs being informed by a Number of the Members of this Honble Court, that a Resolve had passed permitting and Allowing Privateers to proceed on any Cruises against the Enemies of these States, they have at a very great Expence compleatly fitted the said Brig for the Sea, having all her provisions, on board, and all her hands & Warlike Stores on board, and if she is detained, it will be a very great Loss & Damage not only to your petitioners but also to the hands who are Chiefly Sea Men not belonging to any Town in this State. ー

They therefore humbly pray your Honors would be pleased to permit said Vessel to proceed on her Cruise, and that she may not be any longer detained.² And as in duty bound shall pray

Boston Apl 12: 1777