State of Massachusetts Bay

To the Hon'ble the Council of the State aforesaid—

The Petition of Elias Hasket Derby, Francis Cabet, Job Prince j^r. & others 

Humbly Sheweth

That your Petitioners have fitted out the Brig^t. called the Franklin burthened two hundred Tons mounting Eighteen Six Pounders and navigated by One hundred Men—having on board as provisions One hundred and twenty Brls Beef & Pork & three thousand W^t. Bread—as ammunition two thousand W^t. Powder and Shot in Proportion—

Officers on Board are as follows 

Thomas Connolly Commander

J. Leach 1^st Lieut.

J. Sellman 2 D^o 

Jn^o. Stevenson Master

Said Brig^t. is intended to cruise against the Enemies of these United States— 

Your Petitioners therefore humbly request your Honors to commission the said Thomas Connolly as Commander of the Said Brig^t. for the Purposes above mentioned and as in Duty bound shall ever pray— In behalf of the Owners &c 

Boston April 18^t. 1778

In Council April 20^t. 1778 Read & Ordered That a Commission be issued out to Tho^s. Connolly as Commander of the within mentioned Vessel—he complying with the Resolves of Congress—

Jn^o. Avery D^y Secy