A conversation which pass'd at Boston between Vice Admiral [Samuel] Graves and Mr. [Benjamin] Hallowell a Commissioner of the Customs, on the subject of Mr. Hallowell's application to the Admiral in his department.ー

Related by Mr. Hallowell who (for the purpose of getting a supply of Hay) hired Gallop's ー Island, which makes part of Nantasket-road, and near where one of the King's Ships is stationed.ー

Being desirous that no part of my conduct in getting the hay from said island should be disagreable to Admiral Graves, I did on the 3d. of July wait on him and acquainted him with what I proposed doing. ー on which the Admiral asked me, Who was the proprietor of the island and who I had hired it of? and was inform'd as to those particulars. The Admiral evaded giving me a direct answer as to the mens going, or the hay being brought from said island, but recomended to me cutting hay on Noddle's-island ー Grape-island or Thompson's-island. ー alledging that he (the Admiral) propos'd to cut the hay on the islands about and near Nantasket-road, and that he had already occupied Lovell's-island, to which I replied, that Noddles island was imediately under the guns of the Flag and other Ships of the King's, and cou'd be protected, and therefore more convenient for the Admiral to cut his hay there, and that an experiment had already been tried to take the hay from Grape-island, but in vain altho' a King's ship & Troops were employed to protect the men on that business ー and that the house and barn as well as the hay on Thompson's-island the property of the Rev'd Mr Walter, were burnt ー but if he (the Admiral) had an inclination to cut the grass and make the hay on that island, he could send a sufficient guard, which was not in my power to do, and I was sure Mr Walter wou'd be much obliged to the Admiral if he woud direct that the hay on his island shou'd be cut; I also observed to the Admiral the impropriety of leaving my own property, & in getting of which there was no risque and seizing without any color of right on what belong'd to others, the doing of which must also be attended with danger from the Rebels. ー Upon which the Admiral told me that he cou'd not give an answer without consulting the General. ー I suppos'd it was necessary ー and desired to know when I shou'd have an answer, ー and was told ー on Wednesday next. ー I wish it sooner, because my grass wou'd greatly suffer if not imediately cut, and so express'd myself to the Admiral, to which he reply'd, ー No ー No ー It will be the better for standing a little longer ー and that the day after tomorrow ー will be time enough for an answer.