[Boston] Decemr. 17. 1777.
This Board Conceiving it to be for the public advantage that the Briga. Dispatch belonging to the Continent and Under the care of John Bradford Esqr. should be improved as an armed Vessell for which she is now in great measure fixed therefore.—
Voted That a Letter be wrote to Mr Bradford to desire him to Suspend the Execution of the orders he may have relative to that Vessell till we can get an answer to what we have wrote to the Marine Committee on that Subject—
Whereas John Brown Lieut. in the Continental navy has represented to this Board that his private affairs require his presence at Halifax where he has now an oppertunity of going with the Command of a Cartell1 and desiring leave of absence for a short time therefore
Voted that the said Lieut. Brown have leave of absence for a time Sufficient for that purpose.—
D, DLC, Papers of the Continental Navy Board of the Eastern Department.
1. Brigantine Favorite.