Boston 9 May 1776
[Extract]
I have the pleasure to inform your Excellency that on the seventh Instant, Capt [Samuel] Tucker commander of the armed Schooner Hancock took two Brigs in the Bay, (within sight of the Men of War) and carried them into Lynn. One of them was from Cork, ninety tons burthen, laden with Beef, Pork, Butter, and Coal; ー the other was from the Western Islands laden with Wine and fruit, about an hundred tons burthen.2 Neither of them give any important intelligence they brought no papers or letters that had any relation to public affairs. The Master of the Irish Vessel says he sailed from Cork the first of April, that five Regiments lay there ready to imbark for America, that he heard that Hessians and Hanoverians were coming to America, but had not heard of any Troops having sailed from Great Britain or Ireland for America this Spring. I am Your Excellency's [&c.]
Artemas Ward
1. Washington Papers, LC.
2. The brig Jane, James Fulton, from Cork, and the brig William, Richard Price, from Fayal. "The Jane, Fulton, taken by the Provincials, had a cargo on board, worth up wards of 6000 £. which is mostly insured in Glasgow." Public Advertiser, London, July 3, 1776.