Boston August the 2d 1775ー
At a Meeting held at the Generals the following Matters were proposed for considerationー
| Present |
|
| His Excellency General [Thomas] Gage |
[Jonathan Sewall] Attorney General |
| Vice Admiral [Samuel] Graves |
Mr. Secretary [Thomas] Flucker |
| Major General [Henry] Clinton |
Mr. [Henry] Hulton |
| Major General [John] Burgoyne |
Mr. [William] Burch |
| Earl [Hugh] Percy |
Mr. [Charles] Paxton |
| Chief Justice [Peter] Oliver |
Mr. [Benjamin] Hallowell |
At the last consultation held at General Gage's by the desire of Vice Admiral Graves, in the Month of May, upon the Subject of the Boston Port Act, it appeared to be the Opinion of the Gentlemen then met that Vessels might be admitted into this Harbor under certain circumstances, and be stationed at certain Places under the Admirals immediate Directions, but not upon any account to be permitted to unload any part of their Cargoesー
Since that time several Vessels have arrived in the Harbor of Boston from foreign parts with Cargoes of Goods some of which are said to have been discharged without a Report being made to the proper officer, or the Duties which were chargeable in any part of the Goods having been paidー
On Account of the Rebellion the Masters of Vessels cannot go to Plymouth, where the Officers of the Port of Boston have been stationed since the Port Act took place, nor are the proper Officers allowed by the Rebels to receive the Duties there
The Army and remaining Inhabitants in the Town of Boston are in great want of Fuel and Provisions.
The Officers of the Customs stationed at Marblehead for the purpose of carrying into execution the Boston Port Bill have been obliged to remove from thence, & that Vessels laden with Fuel & Provisions for the sustenance of the Inhabitants of Boston can no longer comply with the Regulations of that Act.
The Commissioners of the Customs being desirous of taking the best Measures for securing His Majesty's Duties and preventing the breach of the Acts of Trade and Revenue, beg the Opinion of the Gentlemenー
1st Whether it be adviseable that any of the Vessels coming into the Harbor of Boston may be allowed to dispose of any part of their Cargoes for the supply of His Majesty's Army or Navy with Necessaries, or for the sustenance of the Inhabitants of Boston?
Answered unanimously in the affirmativeー
2d Whether the Gentlemen would advise the Commissioners of the Customs to remove the Officers of the Customs of the Port of Boston, now at Plymouth, to Boston?ー
Answered unanimously in the affirmative.
