Preston Boston 15 July 1775.
Sir
I have received your Letters July 6 acquainting me with the Seizure of the Sloop and Schooner laden with wood, Spars and mercantile fish, and that all your Endeavours to get them prosecuted in the Vice Admiralty Court at Portsmouth have been ineffectual. I observe the Judge makes no objections, well knowing these Causes cannot be brought before him, but the Lawyers speak out and boldly assert that no man can move in behalf of the Laws or attempt to carry them into Execution without risquing his life and property. To what purpose then do these Gentlemen remain at Portsmouth, for as all Civil Departments of Government are entirely useless among the People and obnoxious to them, it will be well if the Rebels allow them to partake of the Supplies permitted to pass for their Support: And the Kings Affairs receiving no Advantage from his Servants remaining totally and unavoidably inactive, they had better remove, and not, by continuing among a violent People determined to be in Rebellion, retard the Execution of such Measures as are become absolutely necessary to reduce the Province of New Hampshire to a due Observance of the Laws. I therefore will no longer consent that Supplies of any kind pass to Portsmouth and you will herewith receive an Order to the contrary accordingly.
I inclose the Attorney Generals Opinion as you have desired, and will order the Hope to convoy the Vessels to Boston as soon as possible.
I am &c.