To the honourable Congress of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England now sitting. ー the Committee of the Town of Arundel in said Province sendeth Greeting

Whereas, a Sloop [the Polly] , belonging to the Town of Arundel about three Weeks ago, saild out of this Harbour, and disposed of her Cargo at Plymouth, and having recievd her Effects, upon her Return, was seize'd and carried into Boston, and there detained by general Gage for sometime, and her Effects taken into his Custody for which he payd near the prime Cost: ー After which, a Proposal was made to the Master of said Sloop, by the Officers of the Troops, to inlist into the Government Service, with a Promise of a large Reward for his Service therein:

The Master, being now under Confinment, and knowing no Means of obtaining his Liberty, now tho't this Proposal the only way to make his Escape, and obtain his Liberty, and therefore comply'd with the same, and accordingly receivd. Orders to sail immediately for Anapolis, to bring a Quantity of Hay, and other Stores for the Use of the Troops in Boston. A number of the kings Arms with Cartridges, were put on Board, and two Young Men one named Josiah Jones, and the other ー Jona Hicks were put on board, one, or both of which; was Super Cargo in the Above Imployment, with a Packet of Letters, Orders & other Papers.

The Master then, being prepard to go out, sailed directly for this Port and arrived in this Harbour the second instant, with the Persons Letters &c., as above mentioned; who were immediately carried before the Committee of this Town, and after Examination of both, it was agreed by the Committee, and they have accordingly sent the Persons and Papers under Guard to this honle Provincial Congress now sitting for Examination to be dealt with as they in their United Wisdom shall think just, the Master and Mate of said Sloop we have hereby sent by whom an account of the Whole Affair will be given

Arundel 3d June 1775