In Provincial Congress Watertown 28th April 1775
Whereas a worthy Friend to the Liberties of America, Mr John Brown of Providence hath been lately seized, & with two other persons carried on board a British Ship of War at Newport.
Ordered, That Samuel Murray & such officers of Gen [Thomas] Gages Army as are now prisoners of War & not disabled from travelling on account of their Wounds be immediately sent under a Sufficient guard to Providence & delivered to the Hon: Stephen Hopkins Esqr or other Friends of said Mr Brown; to be made such Use of as they shall think proper for obtaining the liberty of the said Mr Brown.