To the Honble the Council and the Honble House of Representatives of the Colony of the Massachusetts Bay. Niels Christian. Humbly shews That he was Mate of the Ship Harriot which was taken about ten days since, and carried into Dartmouth 2 : That when said Ship lay at Long Island New York he took an opportunity to leave her on the 27th February last.
That he ship'd himself on boarq the above said Vessel at London with a full purpose of quitting her and the Service she was employ'd in the first opportunity after her arrival in America & is now ready to engage in its cause if he can get a birth on board of any of the Arm'd Vessels fitted out by this Colony. That he inform'd the Provincial Congress of New York of the Signals that were to be given by said Ship &c ー in consequence of which two Armed Vessels were sent from thence in pursuit of her. ー & said Congress granted him a pass which he now has by him. 3
That he left every thing belonging to him on board of said Ship (except the Cloaths he has on) & had 5 mo & 25 days Wages due to him when he left her, which with his Effects on board, amounts to £ 32 .. 7 .. 0 Sterling.
He therefore humbly prays your Honors to take his Case under consideration ー and give such directions as you in your Wisdom may think proper so that he may obtain his Wages & property on board of said Vessel
And your Petitioner as in duty bound will pray &c ー Niels Christian Watertown March 26th 1776.
