The Petition of William Barret, an African

Humbly Sheweth

That your Petitioner, being on board the Ship Anna Maria, commanded by Capt William Pringle, bound from Barbadoes to London, was taken by the private Sloop of War Revenge commanded by Capt Joseph White, and brought into Salem, in this State.

That your Petitioner from various circumstances necessarily arising from his present situation, is unable to earn his living hereー

Your Petitioner therefore Humbly Prays, that your Honors would be pleased to grant him permission to go for Great Britain, in the Ship, lately purchased by Messrs Ross & Morgan. And your Petitioner as in duty bound shall ever Pray.

Salem September 16th 1776

[Endorsed] In Council [Watertown] Sept 17[th] 1776 Read & Ordered that the Prayer of the Petition be granted and the Said Willm Barret be permitted to depart from this State to any Part of Great Brittain in such Vessell as Messrs Willm Ross and Nathl Morgan, who lately obtained Liberty from this Board to depart, may purchase for that Purpose

John Avery Dpy Secy