To the Honble the Council of the State
of the Massachusetts in North America
Edward Southouse Attorney General of the Province of Quebeck having sundry Goods and Effects on Board the British Cloathing Ship lately brought into Dartmouth and being advised by the Captain of the Alfred Ship of Warr to go down there to look after his said Goods takes the Liberty of requesting this Honourable Board to give him Leave to go to Dartmouth for the purposes aforesaid and to take a Servant with him —
Milk Street — Boston 24th Decr 1776
[Endorsed] State of Massachusetts-Bay
In Council Chamber Decr. 25th 1776 — On the Petition of Edwd. Southouse
Ordered that the said Edwd. Southouse be and he hereby is permitted to go from the Town of Boston to Dartmouth in this State for the purpose of looking after and collecting together his Effects taken on board the Prize Ship Mellish lately carried into that Port and depositing them in some safe place, provided he obtains the consent of the Capt: of the Continental Armed Ship Alfred or any person having the care of the said Prize Ship & Cargo, so to do — The said Southouse is constantly to continue in the Custody of Mr. Jeremiah Belknap of Boston during his absence from thence And the said Belknap is authorized and directed to take the said Southouse into his Custody for the purpose aforesaid and to return with him to Boston within Eight Days at furthest, or sooner if he shall have compleated his business abovementioned, or shall not be permitted by the said Capt: [John Paul] Jones or the Person having the care of the said Prize Ship or Cargo to meddle with his Effects —.
Provided that the said Southouse shall pay the said Belknap his reasonable [demands for attending] 2 as above — The said Belknap is not to permit the said Southouse to converse with any Person but in his presence and hearing — And upon their return to Boston the said Belknap is to make a report to the Council
In Council Dec 25t 1776
Read & Accepted
Jno Avery Dpy Secy
