Philadelphia, April 1st, 1776.
To the Honorable the Committee of Safety for the Province of Pennsylvania The Petition of William Dunlap Humbly Sheweth:
That your Petitioner hath been employed in the Command of a Vessel in the Merchant's Service on Lake Erie, and is well acquainted with the Navigation of that and the other Lakes. That going from Lake Ontario to New York, he was Stoped at Oswego by Guy Johnston, who carried him to Montreal where he was detained about five months.
That on the arrival of General Montgomery at Montreal, he was released, and by Permissions from the General and other officers, (which he begs leave herewith to lay before you) he proceeded to this City.
That he is desirous of entering into the service of America in such Employ as he shall be thought capable of, and therefore prays your Honorable Board will be pleased to m;ike him such appointment as you shall see meet. And your Petitioner, as in Duty bound, will ever pray.
William Dunlap.