Salem March the 27th. 1776
[Extract]
Sir I wrote you by last, to which refer you. I beleive the brigantine of Mr. Gearey [Elbridge Gerry] is taken, a Vessell from So. Carolina which left itt About 20. days Ago, the Master of which says he saw a sailor who said be belonged to a brigantine with powder designed into the Eastern part of Our goverment, and that they came athot of a M[an of] War and threw in the Night part of the powder Over, before they boarded her in the Morning, but the Master never Askt him what the Capts. name was. I have a Vessell Arrived in a short passuage from Cadiz. The Master says he heard att Cadiz she was saild, left Cadiz about the middle of last Month, there was a large ship from Phila. with flour suppose On the Continental Account ー We are in expectation of seeing the remainder of the fleet come along ... 2
1. Butterfield, ed., Adams Family Correspondence, I, 365.
2. The major portion of the British fleet, under Vice Admiral Molyneux Shuldham,. and including General William Howe and many transports, sailed from Nantasket road for Hali fax on the afternoon of March 27.
