[Extract]

We being appointed the Committee for Machias, We think our Duty at all Times to Make known to your Honors all & every Transaction against this State ー having Lately Seen a Copy of Capt. Jeremh O'Brian's Muster Rolls for the Sloop [Machias] Liberty & Schooner Diligent sworn to by him the 12th February last, We have Examined the same and find that he has much Deceiv'd your Honor's by puting down Men that Never did the duty and after drawing their wages Refusing to pay the same To them ー We therefore beg that before your Honor's make any Settlement with him you would Examine into said Rolls, and if your Honor's want any further profe we shall have them procured and ready to send to you when called for...

Machias 30 August 1776