(Copy) Duplicate
Nova Scotia ss

The Deposition of Thomas Lowden Master of the Schooner Rebecca (who Arrived in Cornwallis in the Night between the 6th & 7th of August 1775) taken before John Burbidge Esqr One of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace for King's Countyー

This deponent being duly Sworn, deposeth and saith, that he left Passamaquoddy, or Island of Campo Bello, on Friday the 4th Instant, that some days before he this Deponent sailed, One Capt Knap in a Brig Arrived there, and several others, who informed this Deponent that there was Eleven Privateers on the Coast seven from New York and four from Philadelphia, and he understood that the greatest part of them carried Twenty Guns each, and several more were expected to sail from the above Places in a Few Days, and this Deponent was told that one of the Privateers of Twenty Guns had fallen in with a Forty Gun Ship of War, and had an Engagement near Martha's Vineyard, but the Privateer got away; that he was also told about Six Weeks ago a large Ship arrived at Phildelphia laden with Ammunition &c. and landed it, and Sailed again, but was not told where She was from, or where going, that it was publickly talked at Camp Bello that preparations were making in New England to send a Number of Provincial Troops into Nova Scotia, under the Command of one Colol Preeble to prevent Provision going to Boston, and also to destroy those who Sold and purchased for that Purpose, and particularly the Transports at Windsor, that Capt Night [Lieutenant Knight] commander of the Schooner Diligent as he was told, was on his Business Serveying, put into Machias River, and one Smith desired them to come on Shore on a Friendly manner on which Mr Night and some Officers went on Shore, where they were immediately made Prisoners, & ordered the Vessel to be brought up which was done and the Vessel Stript and both Officers and Men ordered to be sent to this Congress, this Deponent was informed that a large Sloop from Philadelphia with Provisions &ca bound to Halifax was taken and Carried into Machias, that they proposed paying them for the Provisions and to dismiss the Vessel and People, that Mr William Shey and Mr Kerby's Son of Halifax was on board said Sloop when taken ー And further this Deponent saith not.

Taken & Sworn before me at Cornwallis this 7th Day of August 1775

(Signed) John Burbidge, Jus. Peace