In Council of Safety
[Annapolis] Decr 27th 1776
Benja Harrison Esqr President of The Board of War
Sir We are greatly embarrassed by your request to part with Capt [John] Martin's Vessell, she was purchased by our Agent in the West Indies, and is now claimed by Capt [William] Stone who hath replevyed her, and we have undertaken to indemnify the Sheriff — if we part with her Congress must take the risque off our hands.
Should you want a fast sailing Vessell there is a Brigg at Baltimore taken by the Ship Defence which we ordered our Agent to buy for this State — that Vessell you may have if she will suit Congress — We are unwilling to part with Martins' Vessell, she being now Ioaden, and we expect her cargo of Coarse Woolens &c is now ready at Martinique or Eustatia — however if the Honble Congress cannot supply themselves otherwise, we must let them have the Brigg and Cargoe upon the terms they request, with the addition that the State ought to be indemnifyed — We shall keep Martin a day or two in expectation of hearing from you again. for and on behalf of the Council I have the honor to be [&c.]
J. Hall
1. Papers CC (Letters addressed to Congress), 78, XI, 109, NA. The draft in Council of Safety Letter Book, No. 2, Md. Arch., is dated December 26, and has slight variations.
