To the Honble: the Council of the State of Massachusetts Bay.

The Petition of Samuel Thwing Agent for the Brigantine Washington and William Shattuck part Owner of said Brigantine burthen about 120 Tons Mount^g 12 Carr^ge: Guns, 80 Men, 1200. w^t. Powder & Shott in proportion, Provisions & Stores for four months, Nath^l Wardell Commander Robert Crage first L^t. John Williams second D^o. Rob^t: Jervis Master—

Humbly Shew

That they have at a very great Expence fitted out the said Brigantine¹ as a Privateer to Cruise against the Enemies of the United States of America, That she is now Compleatly fitted for her Cruise being Victualled and fully Manned, but by some means or other they have been so misfortunate as not to be Able to procure a Commission for Nath^l Wardell the Commander of said Brigantine, And your Petitioners to their great Mortification are informed that there are no Commissions at present to be had within this State. That if your Honors would be pleased to Authorise Your Secretary to Alter an Old Commission and Insert the Name of the said Brigantine and Commander, they humbly apprehend it would Answer their purpose, And prevent the Cruise from being broke up.—

They therefore humbly pray your Honors would be pleased to Authorise and impower the Secretary of this State to Alter an Old Commission that it may Answer for the said Brig^a. & Commander—And as in duty bound shall pray &c^a.

Boston May 19^th. 1778

In Council May 26^th. 1778 Read & Ordered that a Commission be issued out to Nath^l. Wardell as Commander of the within mentioned Vessel—he complying with the Resolves of Congress—

Jn^o. Avery D^y Sec^y