Sir I am informed there are large quantities of Goods in the Town of Boston which if in possession of the Rebels would enable them to carry on War And whereas I have given notice to all loyal Inhabitants to remove such Goods from hence and that all who do not remove them or deliver them to your care will be considered as Abettors of Rebels ー You are hereby authorized and required to take into your possession all such Goods as answer this description and to give Certificates to the Owners that you have received them for their use & will deliver them to the Owners order unavoidable Accidents excepted. And you are to make enquiry if any such Goods be secreted or left in Stores and you are to seize all such & put them on board the Minerva Ship or the Brigantine Elizabeth
Given under my hand at Headquarters Boston this 10th day of March 1776 ー
Wm Howe Comr chief
[Endorsed] A true Copy attest Seth Loring Clerk in Secys Office
1. Revolutionary War Prize Cases, Records of the Court of Appeals in Cases of Capture, 1775-1787, No.2, "The Elizabeth and Cargo, Wentworth Appellant," NA.
