Gentlemen,
Mr. [James] Bowdoin has just received the enclosed Depositions, and being in a very weak state, desires me to inform you, that for some time past the Faulkland [Falcon] Sloop-of-War, commanded by Captain [John] Linzey, has been cruising about the islands called Elizabeth Islands, near Martha's Vineyard. That the said sloop's boats have divers times landed armed men on the said islands, who has abused the Inhabitants, stove their boats, and by force taken away a considerable part of their property, as may more fully appear by the said Depositions.
It is humbly apprehended if about one hundred armed men were properly posted on the said islands, they would be a sufficient force to defend the Inhabitants, and protect their stock of cattle and sheep, which is very considerable, and which have hitherto every year furnished divers parts of this Colony with fat sheep and cattle for provisions, and particularly with a large quantity of wool for our home manufacture.
I beg leave to make this representation that you may take such measures as your wisdom shall dictate; and am, most respectfully, in Mr. Bowdoin's behalf, who is part owners of one of said islands, Gentlemen, [&c.]
