Whereas in the present Exigency of his Majesty's Service it is necessary to facilitate as much as possible the bringing to Boston, Provisions, Lumber and Firewood for the use of the Army and Navy, You are hereby required and directed notwithstanding any former Orders to allow all Ships and Vessels laden with Provisions, Grain, Hay, Straw, Lumber, Firewood, and Spars, and which shall be properly cleared at the Port of Lading, to come into this Harbour, although they may not have my pass or a Clearance from Salem, taking Care however that all such do proceed straight up to Boston, and to no other Place within this Harbour.
Given under my Hand on board his Majs Ship PrestonĀ 22 May 1775.
Saml Graves
1. Graves's Conduct, Appendix, 425, 426, MassHS Transcript.