Gentlemen,
Philadelphia April 10th 1776.
It is necessary in conducting the warlike operations on the Part of America, to meet our Enemy on every Ground, and to defend ourselves, in the best Manner we can, against all Attetmpts, in whatever Shape, to deprive us of either Liberty or Property. So far are the British Ministry from chusing the least Relaxation in the barbarous Schemes of reducing the American Colonies to Slavery, that they have passed an Act to seize & confiscate our Property wherever found on the High Seas. In Consequence of this Measure, the Congress have come to a Resolution of fitting out Letters of Marque & Reprisal, the Commission, Instructions, and Bond, preparatory to which, I have the Honour to enclose you, and am Gent [&c.]
J.H. Prest
1. Papers CC (Letter Books of the ~resident of Congress), 12a, I, 95, NA.
