The Libel of Col^o. Samuel Handy,² Major John Purnell Robins, John Fassitt[,] James Buchanan, James Rownd Morris, Zadok Purnell, Nathaniel Ratcliff, Gilliss Polk and others concerned viz- whose Names are mentiond in the List hereto annexed Sheweth that the Frigate Mermaid a Vessell of War belonging to the King of Great Britain, employed in the present cruel & unjust war against the United States, being on the High Seas to wit at Baltimore County within the State of Maryland aforesaid did on the Eighth Day of July one thousand seven hundred & Seventy eight together with her Guns, Stores, Tackle, Apparel & Furniture fall into the Hands of and was taken by the Said Libellants then and now being Inhabitants of & resident within the Said State of Maryland one of the United States.—

And the Said Libellants further shew that the said Frigate Mermaid being on the high Seas was on the said Eighth day of July one thousand seven hundred & seventy eight at Baltimore County aforesaid within the said State of Maryland employed in carrying Provisions & other Necessaries to the British Army & Navy then within some one of the united States. And the said Frigate so being employed did on the day & year last aforesaid at Baltimore county aforesaid together with her Guns, Stores, Tackle, Apparel & Furniture fall into the Hands of & was captured by the said Libellants.—

And the said Libellants further shew that the said Vessel of War Mermaid belonging to the Inhabitants of Great Britain with her Guns, Stores, Tackle Apparel & Furniture was on the said eighth Day of July one thousand seven hundred & seventy eight on the high Seas and near the Shores of the State of Maryland captured by the said Libellants being People of the Country of the said State Wherefore the said Libellants pray that the said Frigate together with her Guns, Stores, Tackle Apparel & Furniture may be condemned & Sold According to the Revolutions of the honourable Congress to & for the Use and Benefit of the said Libellants & all others concerned.—