Abingdon Street, 6th January, 1776.
[Extract]
My Lord ー by the dispatches from Vice-Admiral [Samuel] Graves which Mr [George] Jackson forwards, you will see an American vessel of war is taken. Her commander's commission from the Congress and his instruction from their general shows how their forces by sea and land are formed, and that their proceedings at sea is at present limited against ships and vessels employed in the service of the fleet and army in America.
Their regulations for their army is curious: we have sent all the originals to the King, and copies to Lord G. Germain; with the last one we have desired to know the King's pleasure respecting the prisoners on board the Tartar, as well as others that may be taken, that we may give Admiral Shuldham orders accordingly.
Captain Medows has brought the American vessel's colours, it is a white field with a green pine tree in the middle: the motto, Appeal to Heaven. He says Admiral Graves expressed a wish that it might be sent to Admiral [John] Montagu, as it was taken by his son. 2 I have the honor [&c.]
Hugh Palliser
1. G. R. Barnes and J. H. Owen, eds., The Private Papers of John, Earl of Sandwich First Lord of the Admiralty 1771-1782 (London, 1932), I, 96-97. Hereafter cited as Barnes and Owen, eds., Sandwich Papers.
2. Washington's brig Washington, taken by Captain George Montagu in H.M.S. Fowey.
