On board the Charming Nancy, March 3, 1776.
[No. 1]
Gentlemen: In obedience to your command, we both came on this vessel to demand Mr.Rice. 2 We were ordered on board, and examined by Captain [Andrew] Barkley and Major [James] Grant, who have both declared it was never their intention to commit any act of hostility against this Province, nor do they even now mean any, unless drawn on by you. The above gentlemen have desired me to declare to you, that if any two of you will come on board, you will have their faith and honour to return unmolested; and you may be satisfied with what is above set forth. We are, gentlemen, [&c.]
Raymond Demeré, Daniel Roberts.
1. Peter Force, comp., American Archives, Fourth Series (Washington, 1837-1843), V, 600. Hereafter cited as Force, comp., American Archives.
2. See William Ewen's letter of March 4.