Portsmo Augt 29th, 1776.
Gentlemen
The Ship Prince George commanded by Capt. Emms [Richard Emmes] had her trial last week;2 the Jury brought in their Verdict & condemned three quarters of Ship & Cargo to the use of the Colony ー the other quarter to the Matross Company (Stationed at Fort Washington) to be equally divided between officers & privates ー tho' both the Resolves of Congress & Law of the Colony, say, the Captors shall have one third & the Colony two.
There was also a trial of the Masts &c. which were claimed by Mr. Perry [Edward Parry]:3 the Jury thought the claim was not Good, & condemned them to the use of the Colony likewise. I shall in a day or two decree According to the Jury's Verdict & Issue a Precept to the Sheriff to sell and make distribution According to said Verdicts, and should be glad you would appoint Pearse Long Esqr Agent for the Colony, that there may be somebody here to take care of its Interests, &c. I am, Gentlemen, [&c.]
J. Brackett.
1. Nathaniel Bouton, et al., eds., Provincial Papers: Documents and Records Relating to the Province of New Hampshire... (Concord, 1867ー), VIII, 360, 361. Hereafter cited as Bouton, etl., Documents and Records of New Hampshire.
2. The Prince George, with a cargo of flour, had blundered into Portsmouth harbor October 2, 1775. See Volume 2.
3. Parry was employed by the Royal Navy to supply masts from Maine. See Volume 1.
