State of Massachusetts Bay The Hon'ble Council now sitting In Watertownー The Petition of Nehemiah Somes Humbly shewethー
That your Petitioner is fitting out an Armed Vessell to cruise against the Enemies of these united States and is now ready equipt for Sea but they haveing three Six Pounders and one four Pounder which he apprehends, are too heavy for his Sd Vessell ー2 therefore humbly requests your Honors to exchange them for Cannon of less Metal Vizt Six three Pounders which he understands by Colo [Thomas] Crafts are at present Useless ー if this Proposal should not be agreeable to your Honors he will obligate himself to procure Six Cannon of equal Goodness whenever called for provided your Honors will grant the Loan of them Cannon mentioned as Aboveー
And as in Duty bound shall ever pray
Nehemiah Somes
Boston Octr 11[th] 1776
[Endorsed] Read & Ordered that Moses Gill Esqr be a Committee to make Enquiry relative to the Cannon mentioned in the Above Petition & Report what is best to be doneー
John Avery Dpy Secy3
1. Mass. Arch., vol. 165, 356.
2. The Massachusetts privateer schooner Active, 85 tons, Andrew Gardner, master.
3. Ibid., 357, 357½, the Council agreed to supply Somes with the cannon including "four Three pounders from on board the Diligent."
