We the Subscribers being brought before General [William] West Declare; that Yesterday a Tender came near the Wharves in Newport, that Mr Ebenzer Richardson went down on the Wharf & made a Signal for their Boat to come on Shore, which she did, he asked them what they wanted, they enquired for Mr [George] Irish & produced a Memorandum of small Stores for Mrs [James] Ayscough, the things were procured & brought down on the Wharf; on one of the Bundles was fastned a Letter, which Things we thought ought not to go on Board, without higher Authority, to which Mr [William] Read answered he had been to Head Quarters. ー The Billet on the Bundle was only congratu[la]tory to Mrs Ayscough on her safe Delivery of a Son and that the Council had seen it, which together with the Memorandum is as followsー

Memorandum for the Swan

4 Loaves Bread, 6 Fowls 1 Doz. Milk Bisket 6 Cakes Ginger Bread 2 Doz Eggs I Doz Cabbagesー

To Mr Irish from Capt Ayscough, Pray auquaint Mr Wm Wanton Mrs A----h
² is very ill on Board & send her off the above things if you Please. J:A:

Mrs Wanton's Compliments to Mrs Ayscough & give her Joy that she is well a Bed, have sent her 4 Fowls, & a Piece of find Mild Cheese, is Sorry our fate is so Hard that we can't follow our Inclinations as we would. I wish you soon in Health; and may God bless you

N:B. Capt Read upon our refuseing to let the Things go on Board swore by God they should go on Board if the Devil stood at the Door, and that after the Assembly should Rise said that he would go on Board for all Head Quarters or Low Quarters he would be Damn'd if he did not, and asked them if they wanted any more Articles, if they did he would get them for them.

[Endorsed] The within & above was taken before General West at Head Quarters on Rhodeisland March 1st 1776