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CAPTAIN HECTOR McNEILL 
 
 OF THE 
 
 CONTINENTAL NAVY 
 
 BY 
 
 GARDNER WELD ALLEN 
 
 BOSTON 
 
 1922 
 
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 CAPTAIN HECTOR McNEILL 
 
 OF THE 
 
 CONTINENTAL NAVY 
 
 BY 
 
 GARDNER WELD ALLEN 
 
 BOSTON 
 
 1922 
 

 From the 
 
 Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society 
 
 FOR November, 192 i 
 
 
CAPTAIN HECTOR McNEILL, 
 CONTINENTAL NAVY. 
 
 Last year Mr. Frederick W. Denton, of Cambridge, pre- 
 sented to the Society a letter-book of Captain Hector 
 McNeill of the Continental Navy, which was reported at the 
 May meeting of 1920. Captain McNeill commanded the 
 frigate Boston in 1777 and the letter-book covers the period 
 of an eventful cruise made in that year. When McNeill 
 turned the ship over to her next commander. Captain Tucker, 
 early in 1778, he presumably left the book on board. In 
 1780, when Charleston, South Carolina, surrendered to the 
 British, the Boston, being in the harbor at that time, also 
 fell into their hands. The letter-book had probably been 
 taken ashore before the surrender. It was found many 
 years later among the papers of Mr. Denton's aunt, Mrs. 
 W. S. Adams, of 28 Church Street, Charleston, a pre-revo- 
 lutionary house, though not occupied at that early period by 
 Mrs. Adams's family. Whether the book remained in this 
 house for nearly a century after it left the Boston or whether 
 it led a migratory existence is a matter of conjecture. 
 
 The contents of this letter-book comprise not quite a third 
 of the material which has been collected for publication in 
 the Proceedings of the Society. A still larger proportion of 
 the whole is furnished by a collection of papers belonging to 
 the Hon. Charles W. Gray, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, 
 who has kindly allowed us to take copies; these were 
 heirlooms in the McNeill family, descending through his 
 youngest daughter. Some of them were printed several years 
 ago in the New Hampshire Genealogical Record^ The 
 remaining papers come chiefly from the Massachusetts 
 Archives and the Library of Congress, the latter mostly John 
 
 1 January, 1907. 
 
Paul Jones manuscripts. The Chamberlain Collection ih 
 the Boston Public Library and the Bostonian Society each 
 contributes one letter. To the officials of all these institu- 
 tions we are indebted for very interesting and valuable 
 material. A number of other items are reprinted from the 
 Proceedings of this Society; also two letters from the 
 Publications of the Naval History Society and two from the 
 New England Historical and Genealogical Register. 
 
 Among the papers in the Gray collection is an autobio- 
 graphical sketch which throws much light on McNeill's ante- 
 cedents and early life. Unfortunately it comes down only 
 to the period of the French and Indian War. From this 
 account it appears that he was of Scotch descent and was 
 born in County Antrim, Ireland, October lo, 1728. He came 
 to Boston with his parents in his ninth year, arriving Sep- 
 tember 7, 1737. He was educated in the Boston schools and 
 in later life followed the sea. November 12, 1750, he was 
 married in the First Presbyterian Church to Mary Wilson.^ 
 Their first child, Robert, was born April 12, 1752, and died 
 in September the following year. In November, 1753, came 
 the birth of another son, Hector, and just two years later that 
 of the eldest daughter, Mary. Another daughter, Lettice, 
 was born at some time after the period covered by this 
 sketch. 
 
 Entering the king's service in April, 1755, McNeill, then 
 master of a vessel, carried General Monckton to Nova Scotia 
 and apparently remained during the siege of Beausejour. 
 He returned to Boston in October, but about the end of the 
 year i7^'5 was again in the Bay of Fundy. He was soon 
 captured with his ship by Indians, near Passamaquoddy Bay. 
 With this incident the sketch comes abruptly to an end. 
 We have a bit of information, however, derived from Indian 
 sources and recorded in a journal kept in 1764 by James 
 Boyd, a settler on Passamaquoddy Bay. Boyd learned from 
 the natives of that region that McNeill, after his capture, 
 had been taken to St. Andrews and thence to Quebec." He 
 there disappears from recorded annals for more than nine 
 
 ^ Boston Records, xxviii. 341, where the date given is November 10. 
 2 2 Proceedings, 111. qi. There is no record in the Massachusetts Archives 
 of any service of Captain McNeill in the French and Indian War. 
 
years. He may have been held a prisoner until the end of 
 the war, but at all events he resumed his seafaring life in 
 course of time. 
 
 In a list of " Port Arrivals " it is noted that on April 19, 
 1765, " Hector McNeill, Sloop Phenix from Hallyfax," with 
 a considerable number of passengers, arrived in Boston, and 
 on November 24, 1766, he came from Quebec in the sloop 
 Fanny and Jeany. Three other entries of his vessels from 
 Quebec are reported: August 10, 1767, the sloop Brittania, 
 August 25, and December 15, 1768, the sloop Swallow} This 
 last arrival is mentioned in the Diary of John Rowe.' 
 
 Captain McNeill's first wife died February 7, 1769, and 
 lies in the Granary Burying Ground, where her stone may 
 been seen.^ On December 26, 1770, he married Mary Watt. 
 By this union he had one child, a daughter named Sarah.* 
 
 At the outbreak of the Revolution McNeill was living in 
 Quebec with his wife and daughters. They are mentioned 
 several times between June and October, 1775, in the " Jour- 
 nal Kept in Quebec in 1775 by James Jeffrey," and under the 
 date August 29, it is stated that " Hector McNeill arrived 
 this evening from Dominica in Drummonds Scho"". He says 
 that at Canso he heard that at Roxbury had been another 
 battle, and most of the light horse were killed in the engage- 
 ment — but we must wait for particulars." ^ At this time 
 McNeill's son was a member of Captain Nicholson Brough- 
 ton's company of Colonel John Glover's regiment in the 
 American army before Boston; his name appears on two 
 rolls of the company, dated June 27 and December 20, 1775.® 
 Two years later the younger McNeill was a seaman on his 
 father's ship. 
 
 1 Boston Records, xxix. 264, 288, 295, 307, 311. 
 
 2 2 Proceedings, x. 71. 
 
 3 MS. Records in Boston City Hall. Data received from Mr. Charles A. 
 Coolidge. 
 
 * Boston Records, xxx. 349. McNeill's will mentions his son and three 
 daughters, the youngest by his second wife. It was through this daughter, 
 Sarah, that the Gray collection of McNeill papers descended to their present 
 owner. On December 6, 179S, Sarah was married by Rev. Jeremy Belknap 
 to Thomas Neil {Boston Records, xxx, 95). Their daughter Jane married 
 Shadrach H. Sise. 
 
 ^ Hist. Coll. Essex Inst., l. 132. 
 
 8 Mass. Archives (Rolls), xxxv. 86, lvii. 13. 
 
There are two letters dated " Camp before Quebec," April 
 25 and 26, 1776/ the first from Colonel James Lockwood, 
 the other from Major General David Wooster, both addressed 
 "To Cap" Hector McNeill at Point au Tremble," giving 
 orders which indicate that he was then engaged in operations 
 on the St. Lawrence River, in the service of the United 
 Colonies. McNeill must have returned to Boston not long 
 after this, for he was appointed, June 15, 1776, a captain in 
 the Continental Navy, and on October 10, when the relative 
 rank of naval captains was established, he was placed third 
 on the list. 
 
 Before this arrangement of rank Captain McNeill had 
 been selected for the command of the frigate Boston, of 24 
 guns, which had been built at Newburyport and was fitting 
 out at Boston. Cruising orders for some of the new frigates 
 built in New England were issued by the Marine Committee 
 of the Continental Congress in the fall of 1776. The first, 
 dated September 21, applied to the Boston and Raleigh 
 alone. Later orders, of October 23, included the Hancock 
 with these two, and their captains were given detailed instruc- 
 tions for a cruise which, it was expected, would soon take 
 place." But the ships were not ready for sea until the 
 following year. 
 
 Among the Commodore Tucker Papers, in the Harvard 
 College Library, is a photostat copy of Tucker's commission 
 as " Captain of the armed ship called the Boston," dated 
 March 15 1777.^ It may have been the purpose of the 
 Marine Committee to supersede McNeill at this time, but if 
 so, it was not carried out. Tucker took command of the ship 
 a year later. 
 
 In 1777 the above mentioned instructions of the Marine 
 Committee to McNeill and other captains were followed in 
 a modified form and the long deferred expedition took place. 
 The Raleigh, Captain Thompson, was still unready for sea, 
 but the Hancock and Boston, during the spring and summer, 
 made one of the memorable cruises of the war, beginning 
 
 1 N. E. Hist, and Gen. Reg., xxx. 333. 
 
 2 Out-Letters of the Continental Marine Committee {Publ. Naval Hist. 
 Sac, Vol. IV), I. 14, 42. 
 
 3 Tucker Papers, i, 18. 
 
with hope and ending in disaster, as many of the Revolution- 
 ary Navy's undertakings did. The Hancock was commanded 
 by Captain John Manley, senior in rank to McNeill. The 
 General Court of Massachusetts, in resolves adopted April 
 24 and 26, 1777, urged these officers to put to sea at once, 
 in pursuit of certain of the enemy's cruisers which were 
 harassing the coast and waters of the state. Inducements, 
 in the form of prize money and insurance, were offered to 
 privateers to accompany the frigates. Nine private armed 
 vessels accepted the terms. 
 
 The squadron finally sailed May 21. The privateers were 
 of no use whatever; becoming separated, they soon dropped 
 behind and took no further part in the enterprise. Private 
 vessels were ill adapted for cruising in squadrons and during 
 the Revolution failed in nearly all attempts at cooperation 
 with regular ships or with each other. Early in the cruise 
 the frigates fell in with a superior force, but escaped. In 
 June they captured the British frigate Fox. In July they 
 encountered three British ships, the Rainbow, Flora, and 
 Victor, and the engagement which ensued resulted in the sur- 
 render to the enemy of the Hancock and Fox. The Boston 
 escaped, took refuge in the Sheepscott River, and later re- 
 turned to Boston Harbor.^ 
 
 In a cruise of this sort, hazardous at best, the utmost 
 harmony and perfect understanding between the captains 
 was essential to success. That the opposite was true on this 
 occasion was notorious before they sailed; Manley and 
 McNeill were at swords' points. Dr. Samuel Cooper wrote 
 to John Adams, April 3, 1777: " Manly and McNeal do not 
 agree. It is not, I believe, the Fault of the first ... If 
 they are not better united, infinite Damage may accrue." ^ 
 In McNeill's letters will be found sharp criticism of his supe- 
 rior's conduct during this cruise. He also had trouble with 
 the officers of his own ship. James Warren, a member of 
 the Eastern Navy Board, in a letter to John Adams, Septem- 
 ber 7, 1777, in speaking of the frigate Boston, said: "And 
 great misunderstanding between the Captain and his officers, 
 
 1 In the papers here collected, Captain McNeill gives detailed accounts 
 of all these operations. For British accounts, see Allen, Naval History of 
 the Revolution, i, 205, 208-214. 
 
 2 Adams mss. 
 
8 
 
 who it is said will not again go to sea with him, and who 
 say he never will again man his ship. Capt. McNeill's repu- 
 tation on his first appointment was extremely good; it seems 
 to be now reversed. The last cruise was at first very suc- 
 cessful, but did not end so. There was certainly great blame 
 somewhere, I won't pretend to say where. He lays it on 
 Manley, as you may see by his letters to the Marine Com- 
 mittee; while his officers dont scruple to say that if he had 
 followed Manley's orders we might have had not only the 
 Fox, but the Flora and Rainbow." In a later letter (Octo- 
 ber 12), Warren speaks of McNeill's "overbearing haughti- 
 ness and unlimited conceit." ^ Yet it would appear from 
 some of the captain's letters that he was at heart devoted to 
 the interests of his ship's company, both officers and men, 
 and solicitous for their welfare, demanding recognition of 
 their rights especially in the matter of pay and prize money. 
 McNeill had a good friend in Captain John Paul Jones, who 
 expressed sympathy in letters included in this collection. 
 
 No report of the cruise by Captain Manley has come to 
 light and his side of the story remains unheard. Neverthe- 
 less, public opinion in general was with him, and McNeill 
 was held responsible for the loss of the Hancock, in not hav- 
 ing come to her rescue. That this sentiment was not unani- 
 mous, however, is shown in a letter, dated March 30, 1778, 
 of William Wetmore, of Salem, to Timothy Pickering. In 
 recommending Captain John Fisk for the command of a 
 Continental frigate, he says: "I am confident he wd. not 
 give her away like a Coward as perhaps has been the case 
 
 with some others, nor lose her like a blockhead as M 
 
 did his." - 
 
 The frigate Boston remained in port until February, 1778, 
 when she sailed for France under the command of Captain 
 Samuel Tucker. In the spring of 1778 Captain Manley, who 
 had been many months a prisoner, was released by exchange 
 and returned to Boston. A Court of Inquiry was held, no 
 report of which exists, but it is alluded to in a letter of 
 
 1 Warren- Adams Letters, Vol. lxxii. i, 366. 373. See Out-Letters of the 
 Marine Committee, i. 164, 170. 
 
 2 Pickering mss. (Mass. Hist. Soc), xvii. 128. Doubtless Manley is 
 meant. 
 
James Warren and John Deshon, of the Eastern Navy Board, 
 to William Vernon, the third member. Under date of 
 Boston, June lo, they speak of Manley's Court Martial, 
 then taking place, and add: " Capt. McNeill's comes on 
 Friday next. He conducts in the present Similar to what he 
 did in the former Court of Enquiry, which is to Create as 
 much Charge and perplexity as possible." ' The verdict of 
 acquittal in Manley's case, signed by Dudley Saltonstall, 
 President, and dated June 13, 1778, is printed in the Publica- 
 tions of the Rhode Island Historical Society^ A letter of 
 June 16, from John Deshon to Joshua Huntington, after 
 mentioning Manley's acquittal, says that " McNeill is on 
 Tryal. I fancy he will not come of so well." ' No report of 
 McNeill's trial has been preserved, but a sentence either of 
 suspension or dismissal was imposed. On June 30 he made 
 a protest which has also apparently been lost, but is referred 
 to in a petition to the Continental Congress, dated Philadel- 
 phia, July 25, in which he expresses himself as being "ex- 
 ceedingly Agrieved." This petition was referred to the 
 Marine Committee, which recommended, January 15, 1779 
 " That the Sentence of the Court Martial against' Capt! 
 McNeill be not caried into execution." Consideration of 
 this report was postponed and this seems to have ended the 
 matter. McNeill never again served in the Continental 
 Navy.^ 
 
 Little is known of Captain McNeill's subsequent career. 
 Soon after his trial he went to Philadelphia, apparently with 
 a view to conduct more effectively his attempts at reinstate- 
 ment in the naval service. There he seems to have remained 
 many months, perhaps until the spring of 1779. Later he 
 was engaged to some extent in privateering. On October 26, 
 1779, he signed as witness the bond of the brigantine 
 Charming Peggy.' His name appears on a petition, dated 
 May 22, 1780, praying to be commissioned commander of 
 
 1 Pttbl. R. I. Hist. Soc, vin. 246. 
 - lb., vin. 247. 
 
 3 Wolcott Mss. (Mass. Hist. Soc). 
 
 * Papers of Contin. Congress, xlii. 5, 73, xxxvii, 163. See Out-Letters of 
 the Marine Committee, i. 243, 252, 271, 280. 
 ^ Mass. Archives, v. 163. 
 
lO 
 
 the privateer Pallas} This vessel sailed for Europe, bound 
 to Amsterdam. A business letter of August 22, 1780, from 
 that place, says: " We are sorry to mention you that to this 
 day the Brigantine Pallas, Hector McNeill, is not yet arrived, 
 so that in all appearances said Vessel is fallen into wrong 
 hands." " The fate o^ the Pallas is here left in doubt. 
 Another petition, dated November 21, 1780, pertains to the 
 ship Adventure, which also had a Continental commission. 
 In this case McNeill's signature is not in his own handwrit- 
 ing. These were all Massachusetts privateers. On May 10, 
 1782, McNeill witnessed the bonds of two Virginia privateers 
 with Continental commissions.^ He may have been on a 
 Southern trip at this time, but that he was living in Boston 
 in 1782 is shown by letters written to him by Paul Jones. 
 
 The only further knowledge we have of the subject of this 
 sketch concerns his end, which was befitting a sailor. In 
 answer to inquiry Mr. Gray of Portsmouth writes: " Capt. 
 Hector McNeill was lost at sea on Christmas night, 1785." 
 A considerable correspondence in later years between his 
 widow and General Knox gives the impression that the cap- 
 tain left his family in far from affluent circumstances.* 
 
 Autobiographical Sketch ^ 
 
 Brigantien Minerva July 13th, 1773. 
 
 I, Hector McNeill, being now at sea and (blessed be god) find- 
 ing my mind composed, and sound, do now in His name (and I 
 trust for his Glory) begin a work, which I have long had in mind 
 to accomplish which is to Leave to my children, and Freinds, that 
 may survive me, some account of my Predecessors, and kindred, 
 and of mine own Life, and Perigrinations, throu this troublesome 
 World. That they may know hereafter, from what quarter of 
 the Earth, and from what Stock of People they are descended. 
 That they may thereby be Excited to Excel in allworthyness of 
 life, and conversation rather than debase the blood of their An- 
 cestors, by a degenerate and wicked Life. — and that they may be 
 
 ^ Ibid.. VI. 266. CLXxi. 164. 
 - Commerce of Rhode Island, n. 104. 163. 
 
 3 Mass. Archives, clxxi. 307; Naval Records of Amer. Rev. (Calendar). 
 221, 406, 494. 
 
 * Knox Mss. (Mass. Hist. Soc). ^ From Uie Gray Papers. 
 
II 
 
 Taught by the Goodness of God Manifested, Particularly to me, 
 in many verey Pressing dangers, to have theire trust in him, and 
 in him Only; who has offten saved me, where even hope, reather 
 might take the name of Presumtion, and when no vizible door 
 was left for my Escape. For all which may I while I live; and 
 may my children when they read this, have a due Sense of his 
 mercy's, and of theire dependance on him, impressed on theire 
 minds, for ever, from one Generation to another. 
 
 I cannot help Lamenting that my Father (who had it much in 
 his power, because blessed with an uncommon Memory, and a 
 good understanding; as well as a very Particular knowledge of 
 his Clan and Kindred,) did not leave me some such help, as I 
 intend (throu god's goodness) this which I am now writeing shall 
 be to my children,) for I hold it a great blessing, to be well as- 
 sured of being descended from a Stock of People who have been 
 distinguished for ages, for Vertue reather than riches. Therefore 
 am willing that mine should know from whence they came, which 
 few in this country do. Our removal from our native country, 
 to a strange land in the ninth year of my life, (where since my 
 Fathers death I have not been able to get much information) my 
 memory is all I have to trust to. Yet shall I Endeavor to relate 
 my Story strictly consistant with truth, wishing that what I com- 
 mit to these Sheets, may be believed, and received, with all that 
 integrity of Soul with which I write them, fully determined that 
 my account of things shall be true be it ever so Lame and im- 
 perfect in other respects. 
 
 First, the People from whom I am descended, by the father's 
 side of the house, (of the name Macniel) were natives of Kintyer 
 in the West highlands of Scotland, from which country my Grand- 
 father (Neal Macneil) followed the fortunes, of the infortunate 
 family of Stuart. This at last led him abroad where he spent 
 his youth and some of his Blood in Foreign Service, so that after 
 his return, he was allways call'd to the day of his death, Neal 
 nafrankah, (or Neal the frenchman). He at last returned 
 and married a wife (of the Name of O Neil) in the north 
 of Ireland, within 5 miles of Bellycastle in the county of An- 
 trim, who lived with him 55 years, and then died, leaving him a 
 numerous family of children, chiefly sons, some of whom I re- 
 member to have seen. Namely, Charles, He[nry], John, and Mal- 
 colm, which last was mine own Father, [who] was the youngest 
 child of his fathers family. 
 
 Secondly the People from whom I am descended by the mothers 
 Side, are also from the West of Scotland, of the Name of Stuart, 
 
12 
 
 deriveing theire Pedegree from that Ancient, and illusterous, 
 family, of Stuarts, which has cost so much blood and Treasure to 
 keep theire Simple Sons in Possession of theire fathers inheriteance. 
 
 My Mother, whose name was Mary Stuart, was verey Proud 
 of her ancestors, and loved her name to folly; and tho she never 
 reaped any great good from her attachement to them, yet it cost 
 her many a Painfull and sorrowfull hour, to my certain knowledge. 
 
 She was a Pious, devout woman, and I verely believe a true 
 Christian, the hapy fruits of which I trust she now reaps in 
 Glory. She was the fondest mother that ever had a son, and of 
 all her sons none so loved as me who was her fa[vorite]. I do 
 remember to have heard my father, and mother, both say; they 
 were married that verey week in which King George the Second 
 came to the crown, (I mean the time of his accession). 
 
 I was born on thursday Octr. loth, 1728, and christened the 
 Sabath following in Bellentoy church by the reverend Doctor 
 Stuart, who was a distant relation of my mothers. 
 
 The Place of my birth was at a little Village near the Sea Side 
 not far from the giants Casuaye, call'd (dounesevrick) Dounsev- 
 rick and in the Parish of Bellentoy aforesaid, the County of An- 
 trim, 10 miles from Collrane, 8 miles from Bellemony, 5 miles 
 from Bellycastle, and 3 from Bushmills. 
 
 In July 1737, my father with his whole family consisting of six 
 souls, viz. himself, my mother, my self, my Sister Jean, my Sister 
 Margret, and Sister Mary, (then only six months old) Embark'd 
 on board the Sygemanh, Daniel Gibbs commander at Port [rush], 
 and on the Seventh of September following arrived at boston, 
 haveing lost my second Sister (Margret) on the Passage. This 
 was but a Prelude to our suceeding troubles, for before we had 
 been three months in the country among a Set of Strangers, who 
 were not verey Sympathetick, my other two Sisters also died. 
 These repeated Strokes of Providence was most sensibly felt by 
 my dear Parents, who now too late begann to repent theire re- 
 moveing to a land of Strangers, where none seem'd touched with 
 theire heartfelt misfortunes, theire anguish was the greater, as 
 they had to blame theire removall from home for the loss of theire 
 children; who haveing taken the Meazles on board the Ship, and 
 being Verey much wet with the Seawater in a Storm (in which 
 the Ship lost her masts,) they took cold, and never after recover'd, 
 but died as above recited. 
 
 Here I cannot Pass Remarking, a Singular instance of the Provi- 
 dence of God Manifested, in our Preservation in this Storm which 
 overtook us in our Passage to America. 
 
 The Ship in which we pass'd, was about 240 Tons burthen, the 
 
13 
 
 Captain, (whose name was Daniel Gibbs) had for his own emolu- 
 ment letten his cabin, and State-rooms, to Passingers and had 
 built for himself a convenient round-house on the after Part the 
 Ships quarter-deck. He had Also built two Smaller ones, one on 
 each side the companion, cappable of containing five Passingers 
 each. 
 
 My father, on Viewing the Ship, took a Particular fancy to 
 have one of those little Lodging Places for his family, thinking 
 it better to be where we might allways enjoy the benefit of fresh 
 Air, and be also, intirely detached from the nauseous stench, and 
 filth, of a crowd of Passingers, (which all who Lay below were 
 constantly exposed to,) the Ship being verey much crowded (for 
 at our departure from Port [rush] in Ireland, we reckoned near 
 470 Souls on board). He Accordingly Agreed with the captain 
 for that birth on the Larboard side the Companion, for which he 
 Paid him three pounds five Shillings per Passinger, those who lay 
 below only Paying three pounds. 
 
 It so happened that when the Ship broach'd too in the Storm, 
 her Ballast, Water, Pasingers, and Everything below shifted, and 
 keept her down on her beam-ends, until the water run in abund- 
 antly at all her hatch-ways. In this Distress our birth being to 
 Leward; 'twas with great deficualty my dear Parents, could save 
 theire helpless infants from drowning, but holding them up as 
 high as the top of our wretched cabin would Permit. In this 
 horid Situation we remained some time untill the masts went away 
 of themselves. Then the Ship righted a little, so as to free our 
 birth of the water; Except now and then an Extraordinary high 
 Surge of the Sea overwhelmed us. The Goodness of God in 
 Preserving us at this time was verey Extraordinary, when the 
 Little defence we had to resist the Violence of the Waves, was 
 none other than a poor Cabin made on the Ships deck, with half 
 inch deal boards and but slightly secured to the Ships Companion. 
 My dear father, (who had by nature a good Mechanical genius,) 
 had Examined (but a day or two before the storm) the maner 
 in which the birth was secur'd, and Observed that it did not ap- 
 pear solid Enough to resist bad weather, on which he applyd to 
 the Ships Carpenter, who gave him some nails, and a few Staves 
 of an old Beef Barrel; with theese he fastened the Birth to the 
 Companion [with] his own hands, not careing to trust to a 
 Person who seemed very indiferent about that and also the Ship. 
 
 We soon had reason to thank the Almighty, for haveing Sug- 
 gested to my father such a thought — for to this Precaution 
 (under the direction of Providence) was oweing our Preservation 
 
14 
 
 in the succeeding Storm, for in the condition the Ship then lay, 
 our birth was Suspended Sideways in such a manner, that, 'twas 
 marvelous indeed, that our weight, and the weight of water in it, 
 had not forced it bodyly off from the companion, into the sea. 
 In which case the poor little family, must have gone all togeither, 
 and in one moment, finished a trip which most of them had but 
 just begun; but that good God who had more mercys in Store 
 for us. Preserved us in this great Extremity. The Scene of this 
 disaster, was in the night, which made it appear more dreadfull 
 and Allarming, the Sea itself, Seemd to be a body of fire reather 
 then water, the cracking, and bursting of the Sails, and Masts, 
 was like thunder; the Ship Lying down on her beam-ends, her 
 Ballast, and Passingers Shiffted to Leeward, her masts and tiller 
 broken, the Sea makeing a free Passage over her, the Shrieks, 
 and Crys, of helpless Mothers and infants, whose Eyes were now 
 in vain turn'd towards theire husbands or fathers for safety, in 
 short the whole Exhibited such a Scene of distress, and look'd 
 so like enevitable death that the stoutest heart failed, even the 
 hardy tars (who are commonly wont to despise dangers) gave all 
 up for lost, so that of fourteen Stout Seamen, besides Officers, be- 
 longing to our Ship, only Six men Stood the deck in this Ex- 
 tremity. All the others haveing Slip'd away into holes and Cor- 
 ners, reather than meet death openly; when thus awfully armed 
 against them. 
 
 Those men who stood the deck and bravely did theire duty, 
 ought to be remembered with gratitude, I will therefore transmit 
 theire names to Posterity, as far as in my Power. Daniel Gibbs 
 
 the Captain, Mr Demmick, chief mate, Mr Smith 
 
 second mate, George Fitzgerrald, Boatswain, John McKown, Sea- 
 man, John Dunn, a Seaman who wrought his Passage. 
 
 The names of the others I have mostly forgot (as I would 
 have all Posterity forget them). There was one Josiah Cox of 
 casco-bay among them, I saw him a few years afterwards mas- 
 ter of a ship; he was a fair outside of a man, but not very 
 Valiant. His name was Tom Adams, who had the helm and suf- 
 fered the Ship to Broach too at first. He was also a fine, fair- 
 weather Sailor, 
 
 When day light appeared, and brought to our view the deplor- 
 able State in which we were, the stoutest heart trembled. When 
 we considered our numbers on board, our Ship a Wreck, the great 
 distance we were from land (then near 300 Leagues), the im- 
 possibility of approaching it without masts, and sails, (of both 
 which we were almost distetute) the small quantity of water now 
 
15 
 
 on board (which by the buy was and had been the whole Voyage 
 very bad) I say when all theese deficualtys were considered; 'twas 
 then we began Sincerely to repent our haveing quited our native 
 shore. Better had it been to have still tarryed there, and to 
 have struggled on with Oppression, and Tyranny for the term of 
 our natural lives, then to thus Perrish in the Ocean without any 
 eye to Pitty us. Various were the complaints, and Pityable the 
 case of such a Multitude. Nothing but the recent memory of 
 theire late deliverance, and a firm confidence in that Mercy full 
 God who had saved them in theire great distress, could compose 
 theire Spirrits, on this Occasion. 
 
 When our first Surprize and Perturbation of mind was over; we 
 next began to think what means was yet in our Power for our 
 own Preservation. The Seamen began to contrive Jury-masts. 
 The Passingers Produced all theire winnow Cloths, and coarse 
 Sheets. With theese and the remainder of the Ships Sails, were 
 such new ones made, as put her once more in a condition to Pro- 
 ceede (tho slowly) towards our Port, so that the first Part of our 
 Passage haveing been fortunate, the latter creeping part of it; 
 lengthened out the whole to Eight Weeks and three days, from 
 our leaveing Portrush in Ireland, to our Arival at Boston in New 
 England. Here we met with a verey indifferent reception from 
 the People of the country, who seem'd to have a contempt for 
 Strangers, of what denomination soever; more Especially those 
 who came from Ireland (whom they took for granted were all 
 Roman catholicks). Add to this our haveing the Meazles on 
 board the Ship of which distemper twenty seven Persons had 
 died on the Passage, so that we were not suffered to Land, but 
 Order'd down to Spectical Island, there to Perform a quarentine. 
 
 While we lay there, a relation of my mothers, whose name was 
 Nancy Stuart (now married to one of the name of Boyd) who 
 had been some two or three years in the country came to see us, 
 and haveing brought a Permitt from the Selectmen of the town, 
 brought us on shore, and conducted us to her house in long-Lane. 
 
 On our Landing at Hubbards Wharf, my Father was accosted 
 by that churlish old man himself. He ask'd in an angry tone, 
 from whence we came; who sent for us; why we came there; and 
 why we did not stay in our own country. To all theese ques- 
 tions, my father answered him in few words, telling him with some 
 heat and firmness, that 'twas not him who sent for us, nor were 
 we accountable to him in any respect whatever. The Vile wretch 
 snarled as he went and shut his window, growling out something 
 about takeing the Bread out of childrens mouths, etca., etca. 
 This verey uncouth Salutation from the first man we met at 
 
i6 
 
 Landing, lookd verey discouraging and wrought so deeply on my 
 fathers spirrits, that he did not recover himself for some moments. 
 At length the Tears running freely over his manly cheeks, gave 
 Way to that Passion he could no otherwise vent, and he became 
 calm before we reached the house of our Benefactors. 
 
 A Little Lad who lived next door Observeing me a Stranger, 
 fell into conversation with me, and being highly diverted with 
 my manner of Pronounceation, (whither to amuse himself or some 
 of his comrades to whom he intended to introduce me) led me 
 out into the streets where we soon met with other Boys who were 
 going to see a Ship Launched. Thither I accompany'd them where 
 were gathered togeither great numbers of Spectators among others 
 many small boys, some of whom began to make remarks on my 
 dress and appearance. At length one more Audacious then the 
 Others, singled himself out, and endeavour'd to Provoke me by 
 his Scurrilous Language, which I for some time bore with christian 
 Patience, (considering my self a Stranger, and haveing taken great 
 notice of the reception my father had but just received from Old 
 Hubbard I expected but little favour from those who were now 
 round me). At length this uimiannerly boy most unhappily for 
 himself, call'd me Irish. The word was scarcely out of his mouth, 
 before he had my little fist — dab — in his Eyes. A Battle 
 ensued and he was beaten most unmercyf ully ; for tho I had but 
 just come on shore from a fateaguing half starved Passage, the 
 Agitation of Spirrits into which I had been thrown by that days 
 Adventures supply'd my want of Strength and Experience too. 
 For I had never been bred to a fighting or quarelsome life. I 
 returned to our Lodgings highly Extol'd by the Spectators for my 
 courage and dexterity, little thinking of the train of Mischiefes 
 and hardships, which began to follow me from that moment for- 
 ward. For dureing the whole time of my Boy-hood in the town 
 of Boston my life was one continued State of warfare. Scarcely 
 ever did the day Pass, but one, two, or more Battles, was my 
 sure lot. As the country boys were verey apt to cast reflections 
 on me or my country, so never did I let them Pass unpunished. 
 Even those who were much too old, and too Strong for me, I 
 never Permitted to insult me with impunity. Untill at last I be- 
 came such an Adept at Boxing, that they became civil and Com- 
 plisante to me for theire own sakes. This was Perfectly Agree- 
 able to me, for my Nature abhorr'd quarleing and contention all 
 my days, but I was drove into that kind of Life, by the incivility 
 and barbarous Partiality; of these People, among whom I was 
 obliged to spend my time. 
 
17 
 
 On my first appearance at a Publick School, where we were 
 upwards of two hundred boys, (our Masters name was Allen,) I 
 happened to be the only Stranger (for not being country born in 
 those days made one an Alien to all intents,) here to theire ever- 
 lasting Shame, I was cruely treated. For they Seldome contented 
 themselves with threshing me one at a time, but would frequently 
 shew me foul-play, and get at me two or more at once, untill they 
 had master'd me for that time. This I allways revenged singley 
 whenever an Oppertunity offer'd, untill at last, being brought by 
 custom, to suffer a great deal of Bruseing and in my turn to 
 Pay as well, they let me alone in peace. Here I would not be 
 understood to glory in haveing been the cock of the school. Nor 
 would I have any body think, that I approve of a quarelsome 
 fighting life, in Either Boys or Men; but I reather mention theese 
 things (tho meer childish triffles) to Shew Posterity how hard the 
 fate of Strangers was in those days in New England; and of all 
 Strangers none so disliked as those whom they called Irish, of 
 whom they thought as the Jews of Old, with respect to the Gali- 
 leans (can any good thing come out of Ireland). But blessed be 
 god the times are much alter'd; the People of New England, have 
 now a better Oppinion of us; they haveing found by Experience, 
 that the Protestant Settlers from the North of Ireland, are the 
 most invaluable Set of People theire New country can boast of, 
 they being in generall industrious. Sober, honest, people; and 
 Vailant in theire Wars with the french and Indians, from which 
 incumbrance this country has not been long Exempted. This 
 more than can be said of the People of any Other country what- 
 ever who have yet come among the New-Englanders. 
 
 Since the late greveious Administration of Lord Hillsbourough 
 commenced, I have offten thought within my self, how strange 
 a thing it seem'd to be, that a whole country should (in the 
 course of Providence) be Oppressed, and Persecuted; by a Single 
 Person of that nation; of whom (formerly) they themselves made 
 a Merrit of Persecuting an individual. I would not overstretch 
 this idea, but I think a good Lesson may be learned from it. Shall 
 however Pass it at this time to follow more Particularly my in- 
 tended Story. 
 
 We had not been ashore more than ten days before my youngest 
 Sister Mary, died; and in about six weeks afterwards, my Eldest 
 sister Jean, followed. The sorrow of my afflicted Parents was 
 inexpressible, who now saw themselves in a strange country, strip'd 
 of theire Relations, Acquaintance and children (except my self), 
 and that in little more than 3 months time. Thus they spent 
 the first winter in mourning and Sorrow, resolving to return home 
 
i8 
 
 again the next Succeeding Sumer. But Providence Order'd it 
 Otherwise; and with the new year New Scenes opened more 
 Agreeable then we Expected so that from thenceforth my Parents 
 became in a good measure reconciled to theire fate, and En- 
 davourd to make the best of it in New England; in decem[be]r, 
 1738, my sister Elizabeth was born, and in Jan[uar]y, 1740, my 
 Brother William; in Feb[ruar]y, 1742,, another Sister Jean; and 
 in May, 1744, my Brother Isaac; in June, 1746, my Brother 
 Jacob, and in Sept[embe]r, 1748, another Sister Mary, which 
 last did not live above a month. 
 
 I had from my Infancy allways discover'd an inclination for a 
 Sea Life, which my Parents discouraged by Every means in theire 
 Power, which I do now think (and Long have thought) Proceeded 
 from theire fondness for me. The Arguments made use of, and 
 the Love and respect I allways had for my Parents, proved hither- 
 too sufficient to deter me from it. Happy for me had it still 
 been so. Yet being now grown a little too headstrong, and 
 longing to be from under that restraint, my Parents had a right 
 to exercise over me I did (and sory am I now to say it) I did 
 Break Away from my indulgent Loveing Parents, and much 
 against theire inclination, go to sea. I veryly do believe that in all 
 my life, I never did any thing which cost my Parents one Moment's 
 Sorrow, except this one thing of going to sea. For which act of 
 disobedience the Allmighty has in the course of his Providence 
 Punished me severely. 
 
 I was now in the 17th year of my age, well grown and verey 
 active; add to this a strong Propensity for that kind of Employ- 
 ment, by which (for the future) I did intend to get my Bread. 
 I soon became much Esteemd by all I saild with, and met with 
 great Encouragement. So that in June, 1750, I was made master 
 of a Vessell in a Verey Snug trade, and constant Employ. 
 
 Several years before this Period I had contracted an inclina- 
 tion for Mary Wilson, daughter to deacon Robert Wilson of Bos- 
 ton. I can truely say when it first began with me, I knew not 
 what it meant. Riper years at last Suggested to me what was 
 my complaint, but I remained so verey Bashfull, that 'twas not 
 without great deficualty I disclosed my mind to her. I found her 
 also so overcome with Shamefacedness that I could Easyly see her 
 mind and inclinations was but a counter part of mine own. I do 
 acknowledge my self much indebted to the care of heaven, and 
 have great reason to bless my god for ever, for haveing in the 
 course of things, directed mine eyes, my heart, and every affection 
 to that aimable and worthy Object; for whose sake alone I gave 
 up every thought of all others; and found my self Extremely 
 
19 
 
 happy, Expecting in due time to Possess her who was the mistress 
 of my desires. This helped to Ballance my unwary youth, and 
 Proved too much for every other Temptation; so that instead of 
 being toss'd about by a desire of change, and Exposed to diseases 
 and Pains, togeither with a remorse of conscience the sure Pur- 
 sveiant of early Vice, I was Enabled by the Preserving goodness 
 of God, to bring my self to her chaste arms. Pure, and undefiled, 
 from all crimes, and theire consequences ; which are but too off ten 
 the silent, selfaccuseing, bedfellows of many a new married man. 
 
 On the 1 2th of November, 1750, I was married to this lovely 
 woman, myself being then just turned of twenty tow, and she 
 within two months of twenty years of age. I was married on Mon- 
 day Evening, and sail'd for Annapolis Royal on Thursday morning 
 following; leaveing all freinds in Perfect health. Which blessing 
 did not continue long amongst us, for on the succeeding Sabath 
 I arrived at Annapolis so bad of a Pluresie fever, that no life was 
 Expected for me; and remaind dangerously ill so long that my 
 Vessell was sent home again before the dead of Winter shou'd set 
 in, not Looking for my recovery. 
 
 While I lay in this fever, given over by Physicians as well as 
 all others who saw me, I had something Verey uncommon Com- 
 municated to me, whither in a dream, or by means of some Super- 
 natureal Agent, I cannot say; nor is it in my Power to this day to 
 account for it; 'twas no less then the awfull, and lively, repre- 
 sentation of the Great day of the Lord; which I am Persuaded 
 will surely come and in a manner not far different from what I 
 then saw and shall one day Experience. May God of his infinite 
 Mercy prepare my Soul for the dreadfull, Pleaseing, moment. 
 
 Methought, some one came to my bedside and asked me if I 
 knew my mother was dieing. I answer'd no, and seem'd much 
 alarm'd. I then fancy'd I heard the children crying and could 
 Verey plainly distinguish their different Voices. Soon after which 
 my mother appear'd at my bedside, and ask'd me if I knew that 
 she was dead. I answer'd no, and told her I hoped 'twas not so. 
 She said 'twas realy so, and that she was then instantly going to 
 appear before the Judgement seat of Christ. Every thing appear'd 
 so plain and my mothers answers so naturealle, that I begann to 
 be in doubt whither I my self was in the Body or not, to be assured 
 of which, I asked my mother whither I was dead or not. She told 
 me that I was not yet dead. I then asked her where my father 
 was. She said she had left him in great trouble and Perplexity, 
 and to my surprize seem'd very indifferent about him or her chil- 
 dren, as if her whole Attention were fixed on the trial just before 
 her. She desired me to stretch my sight around me and take the 
 
20 
 
 last View of all Nature, for that now time was going to end and 
 Eternity commence. I look'd and beheld a Vast shining body of 
 light coming towards us, and was told by her that what I then 
 saw was God in Majesty comeing to Judge the world, I plainly 
 saw all nature bend before this dread appearance, the hills and 
 mountains mouldering away, like heaps of dry sand ; sinking down 
 to rise again no more, 
 
 I then began to be fearfuU about my self and would have 
 gladly been found among the righteous, I asked my mother what 
 she aprehended would be her fate. She smiled and said, my child, 
 you shall see me Presently seated on the right hand of my Judge 
 and Saviour who laid down his life for my salvation, I then 
 asked her what would become of me and my father. She said it 
 would go verey hard with us. I then cryd out, O my mother, 
 will there be no favour shewn to the Seed of the rightious. She 
 said none, but that every one must stand or fall by themselves. 
 I then saw the earth opening, the dead riseing, and Millions of 
 People, small and great hastening towards this awfull throne 
 which had the Appearance of an immense Large Temple of fire, 
 within which were Multitudes of Voices singing Praises to their 
 Almighty King. I asked my mother what the different crowd of 
 People meant, who seemd to huddle togeither in bands. She 
 answered, that these were the different classes, and different Persua- 
 tions, among mankind, who were to be Judged each class by them- 
 selves. All those people seemd Exceeding earnestly Employ'd in 
 prepareing themselves for an Examination before this awfull throne 
 of light. Among the different crowds, I observed one Particular 
 Set, who seem'd to have bundles with each of them; on the open- 
 ing of which bundles, Vast numbers of little Packages were seen 
 which by their appearance put me in mind of those little round 
 things found in the fields, which the Sheepherds call Blindman 
 Balls. No sooner were theese produc'd but they burst, and van- 
 ished, like smoak; leaving a very disagreeable smell, and almost 
 blinding all those who were near the place. I asked my mother 
 what those things meant. She said theese were the Pardons for Sins 
 and Absolutions Obtained by Papists and others from Priests, in 
 which those poor deluded People had trusted, depending on them 
 for theire Justification, but now found when too late to be of no 
 service to them. 
 
 The first that I observed was call'd to give an Account of them- 
 selves was the Ministers of the Gospel. These were commanded 
 to Produce Lists of their communicants. I then saw, the founda- 
 tions of the churches turned over like a heaps of ruins, from under 
 which was brought forth books in which was written the names 
 
21 
 
 of all who had been members of theese churches since the begin- 
 ing. The writeing appear'd plain Except in Some Places where it 
 lookd mouldy as if it had been wet, and dry'd again,. I look'd 
 long to see if I knew any of those Ministers. At length I saw 
 Doctor Sewall with a goodly List of Communicants in his hand 
 going toward the Throne. 
 
 Theese with many other circumstances I saw, and have to this 
 day as Plain in my memory as if it had been yesterday. Whither 
 to call this a dream, or Vision, or the Phrinzeys of a distemper'd 
 brain, I know not; but this I am certain of: that in the self same 
 hour (which this Happened to me at Annapolis, as was remarked 
 by Everybody round me in the house where I lay) my dear mother, 
 departed this Life at Boston, of a verey slight illness indeed of 
 which she had complained but a few days. For I had left her in 
 Perfect health the 15th, and she died the 27th of that same 
 November, 1750, in the 40th year of her age. It pleased god to 
 recover me from this dangerous Sickness and to return me safe 
 home again about the middle of february, where I found my 
 disconsolate Father surounded with a family of helpless infants, 
 Mourning the loss of the much-loved Partner of his Life. I was 
 Prepaired for this event by the warning I had of it before, on 
 which I depended from the verey moment 'twas communicated to 
 me, as much as if I had been in my fathers house, and had seen 
 what happened. It was nevertheless some comfort to me at my 
 return to find my dear Mary in Perfect health. I then pitty'd 
 my afflicted father, of whose irepairable loss I began to have some 
 faint idea of by comparing my own Mercy's with his bereavements. 
 His Griefe was unbounded, and his mourning without ceaceing, in- 
 somuch that I vereyly believe 'twas the means of shortning his 
 days. He had not only burried my mother in my Abscence, but 
 had himself undergone an opperation by the chiugions hands for 
 a cancer in his Lip, so that he was worn to a Skeliton with Sorrow 
 of heart and pain of Body. This Weight alars Proved too much 
 for him and made him totter on towards the Grave with rapid 
 Progress. For notwithstanding some hopes of a cure after his Lip 
 was cut off, yet the roots of the disease lying too deep for the 
 incision Knife, it rekindled again with double force and carried 
 him out of this troublesome world in October following, in the 47th 
 year of his age, so that he did not live quite Eleven months after 
 my mother. 
 
 I happened to be at home a few days before his death, time 
 Enough to receive his last Commands which was a great comfort 
 to me, as it was also the only thing my dear father desired most 
 on Earth; that he might only be spared to take me by the hand, 
 
22 
 
 give me his Blessing, and deliver over to my care his helpless in- 
 fants. Oh heart of Adament canst thou hold togeither when thou 
 recollectet the tender Sceene — a dieing father committing to thy 
 care five helpless orphans, who must henceforth look up to thee, 
 and call thee father, Mother, and Brother too. He said my dear 
 child I have (notwithstanding my suffering the most Excruciating 
 pain) desired of the Lord that he would spare me untill your re- 
 turn, that I might take my last farewell of you in this world, 
 trusting in the Almighty to meet you again in glory. My worldly 
 matters I have settled as you will find in that paper, which if 
 you approve of 'tis well; if not, I will make Any Alteration in it 
 you think proper. I leave you no riches, my Blessing Excepted 
 which I trust in the Lord will fall on you for good; but I leave 
 you a great deal of care. I leave you at the head of this poor little 
 flock, trusting that by the blessing of the Almighty and your 
 honest improvement of your own abilitys you will be Enabled 
 to bring them up to the age of Ma[nhood] without theire falling 
 a Prey, or being Exposed to an ingrateful world; and may they 
 prove loveing dutyfull children to you who is henceforth to be 
 theire Only Parent on Earth. The little I leave among you will 
 wear well and I am Confident no one will ever do you an injury 
 for my sake. May god be with you, and unite you in one band of 
 love, and may his Blessing rest on you for ever. 
 
 After this he continued but a few days and gave himself no 
 other trouble concerning us while he did remain Except to restrain 
 our griefe for his sake. After the funerall was over I gave up the 
 house in which I had Lived heretofore and removed into that which 
 was my fathers. Here I found myself (tho young and just begin- 
 ning the world) surrounded with a family of children whose whole 
 dependence was (under Providence) fix'd on me alone. On this 
 Occasion I could not help remarking to my wife how suddenly 
 she had become a mother of so many children and asked her what 
 she thought of the task. She said that inasmuch as God in his 
 Providence had cast so great a care upon her, she hoped he would 
 Enable her to do her duty towards them with a good conscience, 
 and so far was she from repining at the thoughts of supporting 
 such a burthen, that she undertook it with cheerfullness. This 
 Obliging repply indear'd her to me more if Possible then before, 
 and the unwearied pain she took from that time to her dieing day 
 for those poor children may possibly be Equall'd, but never out- 
 done by the fondest mother on earth; this remains as a lasting 
 proof how conscientiously she acquited herself of so great a charge. 
 
 On 1 2th April, 1752, our family was increased by the birth of 
 our first child (a boy) who was christened Robert for his Grand- 
 
23 
 
 father, Mr. Wilson. He, with his mother, and all my brothers and 
 sisters (Except my Brother William) had the small Pox togeither 
 before he was two months old. They all did well notwithstanding 
 they took it in the naturall way, as at that time inocculation was 
 not verey generaly approved of. 
 
 My Brother William not being then in Boston but at school in 
 the Country (whither I had been oblig'd to send him on account of 
 his Truant playing in town) was the Cause why he Escaped the 
 small pox at that time. For I could not think of calling him 
 out of the country 50 miles to town to punish him with sickness the 
 Event of which I dreaded. He had also a weakness in his left 
 Eye some time before which added to my fears in case of his have- 
 ing that distemper which is so offten fattall to weak Eyes. In all 
 this I thought I was right and did for the best. But alass, how 
 blind are we to the future. So it happened with me in this case. 
 He was afterwards Exposed to have the small pox on board a Ship 
 where he could have few or none of the Necessarys or conveniences 
 of life about him and was thereby the innocent means of his own 
 and my imprisonment severall months, as will be found in the 
 Sequell. 
 
 In August, 1753, my Wifes Brother William Wilson died, and 
 in September following my fine Boy, while I was abscent. At my 
 return I was told of my Loss a Little abruptly as I Landed on Long 
 wharf by Sam. Sloane. Here for the first time I was sensible of 
 the feelings of a Parent. 
 
 I had been Accustomed to deaths and had now worn mourning 
 for three years togeither, but never did any death make such an 
 impression on me before as I found the death of this child made. 
 May God forgive the weakness of my Nature and give me allways 
 a due resignation to his will. 
 
 In November, 1753, our second son was born and christened 
 after me (Hector). 
 
 In March, 1754, my Wife's mother Mrs. Wilson died much 
 Lamented. She was a good freind, Neighbour, and I hope and be- 
 lieve a Good Christian. 
 
 In April, 1755, I was taken into the King's Service and did 
 cary Generall Monckton on the Expedition against Beausejour in 
 the Bay of Funday (now Fort Cumberland), from which place 
 [I] did not return untill October following. 
 
 In November, 1755, our first daughter Mary was born, and on 
 the 24th december following I saild for Annapolis Royal takeing 
 with me my Brother William meerely to keep him from Beating 
 the Streets and playing Truant, to which he had allways been 
 adicted, and not in the least intending him for a Sea Life. How- 
 
24 
 
 ever the Lord, who disposes of all things as he thinks best had now 
 set before him and me a long chain of Suffering. 
 
 After being toss'd at sea some days and running from one har- 
 bour to another along the Coast for Shelter, we did on the 29th of 
 december aforesaid put into Harbour — Letonge [Etang] a little 
 to the Eastward of Passcadamaquady. 
 
 Being at an Anchour I order'd the boat out and went on shore 
 my self with Capt. Wm. Martin of the Royal Artillery, then a 
 Passinger on board, and 4 men. I set the men to cut wood and 
 to search for water (which last they found not by reason of the 
 severe frosts which had been for some days before). Capt. 
 Martin and my self strol'd about in hopes of shooting sea-fouU, 
 and after being wearey of that I took the boat and went round 
 the harbour to sound it. As I had never been in it but once 
 before I thought it my duty to be Acquainted with it. In this 
 Manner did we spend the first day in the harbour aforesaid, with- 
 out finding the least Vestige of any humane creature Except our- 
 selves. The second day was Verey stormy, so that we cou'd 
 not well go on shore untill towards Evening. Then thinking it 
 more adviseable to move our Birth so as to be able to sail before 
 day light, which we could not well do from the Place we then 
 lay in, at sunset therefore we hove up our Anchours and turnd 
 up to the N Wt. side of the Harbour, then anchour'd again to 
 waite a Convenient Oppertunity for quiting that place. At bed- 
 time we set a watch of one hand which was the common Practice 
 in all places where we were not afraid of Indians. As we had 
 seen nothing of indians those two days past, thought ourselves 
 quite secure. 
 
 I order'd the watch to give me a call at 4 Clock next morning, 
 and was accordingly called by Charles Conner, one of the Sailors. 
 There was at that time a thick fogg or Vapour on the water so 
 that we could not see the land. Consequently could not see our 
 way out of the Harbour. I then order'd Henry Linkletter (the 
 present watchman) to call me at day-light or before if the wind 
 brees'd and cleard away the fogg, then went to bed again and after 
 some time fell asleep. The watchman had walk'd the deck untill 
 he Judged me asleep and then came down to the fire in the Steerage, 
 call'd up Capt. Martins Servant (one Chandler) with whom he 
 began to play at Cequers or somewhat like it. In this stupid 
 careless way he spent his time untill at last hearing something 
 move over his head and being ask'd by Chandler what Noise that 
 was on deck, he Atempted to go up to see, but to his great Surprize 
 was stop'd by two indians at the door of the Companion with each 
 a Musquet presented at him. He suddenly Jump'd backward and 
 
25 
 
 caird out, the Indians at the same time giveing the usuall yells by 
 which awfuU noise I was awaked in great Surprize. 
 
 I instantly took off my capp and threw it at the candle to 
 prevent being blinded thereby going out in the dark. I then 
 took my Gun (which I had ashore shooting) and running as fast 
 as possible to get on deck, was seized by Linkletter and Chandler 
 who saw the danger I was running into. They hauled me back 
 again, so that I fell with my face and Breast upon the Ladder. I 
 soon saw the narrow Escape I had met with. For scarcely was I 
 fallen when one of theire Hatchets which miss'd me as I fell stuck 
 into the Ladder Just by my head. Had this blow reach'd me 
 'twould in all Probabillity have ended my days; but the great Pre- 
 server of man, who has his own purposes in View was pleased to 
 spare me at that time. 
 
 I had no time for recollections or Considering of my danger 
 before this, being surprized out of my sleep; but now on looking 
 round I saw my Situation clearly. Nevertheless I did not despair 
 of Extrecating my self in a little time, knowing full well that if 
 by any means we cou'd get on deck so as to attack those Vermin 
 Vigorously, they wou'd soon give way. 
 
 My first care was to place two men with Musquets in hand one 
 on each side the Steerage, with theire arms pointed upwards, 
 cross ways to guard the Companion door, for I perceived that the 
 Indians were watching an oppertunity to take aim at some of us, 
 of which they were now prevented. For no sooner did they offer 
 to peep in at the door then they saw the Musle of a Musquet 
 pointed at them from below, without being able to see the person 
 who presented it. 
 
 I then placed another man at a Loop hole in the bulkhead of 
 the Steerage on the Larboard side looking forward to prevent them 
 from cutting the Cable by which we rid. 
 
 I then put on my own cloths and order'd all the people to do 
 the same. By this time it was clear day-light. 
 
 My first intention was to begin a random firing throu the deck 
 at the Savages, thinking thereby to clear the quarter deck and 
 then get out. But as we might probably fire a good many shot 
 without doing Execution, it was necessary to Examine what quan- 
 tity of ammunition we had before we began. On searching we 
 found only a pound of Powder, very bad, mix'd with dust, in the 
 Bottom of the Barrel. This made my heart faint within me; nor 
 could I help curseing the ill-timed Parsimony of my owners, who 
 had reffused me Powder before I saild from Boston, 'twas in the 
 end the loss of theire Vessell and my Liberty and Verey nearly 
 my Life. 
 
26 
 
 I never doubted beating off the indians untill I found my self 
 so short of Powder. In order therefore to make the most of what 
 little we had 'twas Necessary to make a Push for our Lives with 
 all the resolution immaginable. 
 
 I then told my People and Capt. Martin, as we had so Little 
 Powder our guns could be of little use to us and that 'twas best to 
 load each man a Pistol with which in one hand and a Cutlass in 
 the other we might force our way out among the indians ; assureing 
 them that they would jump over board the moment they saw us 
 all on deck. 
 
 Capt. Martin, John Whitty my mate and Charles Connor one of 
 the Sailors were willing to Accompany me, but the others were all 
 against it. In vain did I tell them that in case of delivering our- 
 selves up to such a Barbarous Enemy as the indians we could 
 hope for nothing more then to have our lives spared untill they 
 got drunk (which coud not be long, considering the quantity of 
 Liquor we had on board the Vessell) that therefore 'twas better 
 to die like men endeavouring to set our selves free then to have 
 our hands tied and be killed Like Sheep, in a few hours. No, in 
 vain was all this repeated severall times. Nothing could rouse theire 
 Spirrits or tempt them to Exert themselves on this Ocasion. 
 
 I then began to reproach them who had by theire stupid neglect 
 betrayd me into the present delima, and now throu Cowardice 
 refused to asist me in Extrecating my self and them. One (whose 
 name was John Jermyne) being stung to the heart with these 
 reproaches, said, Sir, I am not a coward, nor is it throu fear that 
 I refuse going out with you; but 'tis because I see no probability 
 of succeeding. In the first place there is no Possibility of getting 
 out more than one man at a time, and he must crawle out of this 
 doorway on hands and knees, in which case two indians with 
 theire hatchets may kill us as fast as we go up. In the second 
 Place they are verey numerous upon deck so that there is the less 
 cause to Expect they will be so soon frightened overboard as you 
 think. To convince you that I am not afraid I will go up by my 
 self, but it shall be naked as I am, not with arms. If I live long 
 Enough to be able to reckon them I will let you know their Number. 
 If they kill me instantly you will know the better what to Expect 
 and may do as you think proper, I then told him that he shou'd 
 not go up so; for to what purpose was it to lessn our numbers by 
 puting himself naked into theire hands, when his takeing arms 
 might be of so great Consequence to us all. He however continued 
 to insist on it and the other People seeming to relish this proposeall 
 better than mine, he did go up with only his Shirt and drawers on. 
 For I could not persuade him even to put on his cloths, altho the 
 
27 
 
 Cold was so intense a man might have been froze to death in a 
 little time. 
 
 On seeing him come up to them naked they did not atempt to 
 kill him, but haveing ask'd him severall questions they Orderd 
 him to come down again and put on his Cloaths. 
 
 At his return he told us they were thirty at least upon deck, 
 and appear'd all Exceeding well arm'd. We then held a Consulta- 
 tion what we had best do, and haveing lost all hopes of geting 
 quit of them, we came to a resolution to give ourselves up to 
 them. Especially if there should be none of the Mickmack Tribe 
 amongst them. For I had come to a resolution within my self 
 not to give my self up to them whom I had allways known to be 
 a Cruel Bloody Bigoted Cowardly race of Vermine who took 
 delight in sheding the blood of the English for religions Sake. 
 
 Observeing the whole time they were on board to keep a cen- 
 tinall on the Cable they were prevented once or twice from cutting 
 it by my giveing orders to fire at the Indian who made the 
 attempt. Happily for us the Gun did not go off. For had we 
 shed the blood of one of them we must have Expected no Mercy. 
 However it had the desired Effect, which was to hinder them from 
 Cutting. 
 
 Extract from the Journal of James Boyd, 1764 '^ 
 
 Some time before Quebeck was taken from the French, Capt. 
 Hector McNeal was taken prisoner in the harbour Le Tong, It 
 was Indians which took him. One Frenchman, who married an 
 Indian, was with the Indians. They gave Capt. McNeal the names 
 of sundry places. The Indians carried McNeal's vessell to Cona- 
 squamkook [St. Andrews, New Brunswick], and there unloaded 
 a good deal of the Cargo. McNeal had some small guns and swivels. 
 The Indians kept one gun to give an alarm when needed. The 
 Indians then carried the Vessell to Saint Johns River, and carried 
 their Captives up this river to Quebeck. 
 
 From James Lockwood^ 
 
 Camp before Quebec, April 2Sth, 1776 
 
 Dear Sir: I have just received your favour of yesterday and 
 say in answer — The Gen' * thinks it will be better that M"" Lizott 
 
 1 2 Proceedings, iii. 91. Winslow Papers. Deposition of James Boyd. 
 
 2 A^. E. Hist, and Gen. Register, xxx, 333. 
 
 3 Major-General David Wooster. 
 
28 
 
 should be sent by Water than through the Country. With regard 
 to the two Vessels, Cap* Tenyck who takes command of Peppers 
 Schooner has Orders to take up all suspected Vessels and boats, 
 and those two have been mentioned to him; he will stop at Point 
 au Tremble. The Gen' therefore desires you to direct him at any 
 rate to secure those Vessels, he will receive proper information 
 from you concerning them. Remember me affectionately to your 
 family and believe me your most obed* Serv* 
 
 Ja^ Lockwood ^ 
 Cap* McNeil 
 [Addressed] to Cap" Hector McNeil at Point au Tremble. 
 
 From David Wooster ^ 
 
 Camp before Quebec, April 26th, 1776 
 
 Dear Sir, — I am much obliged to you for the information you 
 give me in yours of yesterday which I have received and say in 
 answer — I shall write Gen' Arnold concerning the Acadien and 
 also to arrest Palmer. 
 
 I have Ordered four Bar'^ Pork to be sent you from here, should 
 be glad you would send two of them to Cap" Scott. If you can 
 possibly procure flour at Point au Tremble I hope in a few days 
 to be able to replace Cash for it. I am informed that M"^ Cole 
 with a large sum was left at Crownpoint and was every hour ex- 
 pected at Montreal. 
 
 With regard to the Gaspee please to procure a Pilot and put 
 some hands on board of her from Cap" Church's party and send 
 her to Jackes Cartier with Orders to be left ashore there. Let 
 Matherman follow his Cap*. The Articles for the Maria with a 
 Gunner were sent from this place yesterday. I have sent for 
 Cap" Goforth from Three Rivers, a very good man, to take charge 
 of her — Prince, Peppers Mate, I shall send after immediately. 
 Give me leave to congratulate you upon the Good News from 
 Boston and believe me most affectionately your very hble Serv* 
 
 My Comp*^ to your family 
 
 David Wooster 
 
 Cap* McNeil 
 
 [Addressed] To Cap" Hector McNeil at Point au Tremble. 
 
 [Superscribed] On the Service of the United Colonies. 
 
 ^ Colonel James Lockwood, aide to General Wooster. 
 2 N. E. Hist, and Gen. Register, xxx, 333. 
 
29 
 
 From the Marine Committee ^ 
 
 In Marine Committee. Philadelphia, 
 
 Septem: 21 1776. 
 
 Sir: — In consequence of a letter from the president of Massa- 
 chusetts Bay dated the 13 Instant to the President of the Congress 
 which was by Congress referrd to this Committee; we have de- 
 termined to Comply with the wishes of your assembly by Ordering 
 the Frigate ^ Commanded by Capt. McNeill and that ^ by Cap- 
 tain Thompson of Newhampshire to be fitted immediately and 
 proced on a Cruize on your Coast in hopes of taking the Milford 
 Frigate * or of drawing her or any other Enemy away from those 
 Seas. 
 
 We therefore authorize you to accept the Profferd assistance 
 of the said assembly or any Committee they appoint to assist in 
 fitting equipping arming and manning that Frigate, You are also 
 to accept their offer of Twenty four nine Pounders (cannon) and 
 to Cooperate with them in getting this Ship to sea with the utmost 
 Expedition, and we agree to reimburse the State of Massachusetts 
 Bay for all Just and necessary Expences they incurr in Effecting 
 this Bussiness. We shall in due time also cause their Cannon to 
 be returned, unless they think proper to make Sale of them for 
 the use of this ship and in that case we woud choose to purchase 
 them provided their are good guns quite suitable for the service. 
 
 You will please to purchase a proper number of swivell guns, 
 good musketts, Blunderbusses, cuttlasses, Pikes and other arms 
 and instruments suitable for this ship. You will apply to your 
 state for powder. Ball, muskett shott other millitary stores to 
 be paid or returned by the Congress and in short as this Ship will 
 instantly go into Danger we hope nothing will be neglected that 
 ought to be done in fitting and manning her. 
 
 We are very sincerely, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 John Hancock. Richard Henry Lee. 
 
 RoBT. Morris. Samuel Huntington, 
 
 Joseph Hewes. Samuel Chase, 
 
 JosiAH Bartlett, 
 
 1 Mass. Hist. Soc. mss. 
 
 2 The Boston. 
 
 3 The Raleigh. Thomas Thompson was later made sixth on the list of 
 captains. 
 
 * A British man-of-war cruising in Massachusetts Bay. 
 
30 
 
 P. S. If Mr. Langdon applys to you Mr. Bradford or to your 
 State for assistance in fitting out the Frigate under his care we 
 hope it will be granted and we shall reimburse all Just Expences 
 and Charges. The intended Enterprize should be kept as secret 
 as possible. 
 
 Hon. Thomas Gushing, Esq. 
 
 The above is a True Coppy. Thomas Gushing, Jun'r. 
 
 [Endorsed] The Hon'ble Thomas Gushing, Esq., Boston. 
 [Memorandum] Letter from Jo. Hancock Esq'r and others a Ma- 
 rine Committee of Congress to Thomas Gushing Sept. 21, 1776. 
 relative to the Continental Frigate call[ed] the Boston, Hector 
 McNeil Master. 
 
 Marine Committee to Captain McNeill^ 
 
 [Philadelphia], September 21, 1776. 
 
 Sir, — The Assembly of Massachusetts having offered their as- 
 sistance in equipping, Manning and Arming the Frigate under 
 your command, we have accepted the same, and therefore hope 
 you will very soon be ready for the sea. We expect the same from 
 the Frigate in New Hampshire commanded by Captain Thompson 
 and our design is that you should join company as soon as possible 
 and cruize in Concert. We are informed that the Milford Frigate 
 now infests the Coasts of these states and does much injury to 
 their trade. It is our duty to prevent this soon as we are able and 
 as the two frigates mentioned will be an over match for the Milford 
 or any single frigate of the enemy, and go in quest of that or any 
 other of the enemies Ships in those Seas, provided they be such 
 as you are able to Cope with, and we hope in due time that you 
 have taken, destroyed or drove the enemy off the Coast. The 
 rank betwixt you and Captain Thompson is not yet established, 
 you are therefore to act in Concert and consult each other in all 
 things that relate for the good of the service, to the safety and 
 preservation of your Ships or to the Interest and honor of the 
 United States of America. 
 
 The Continental Agents in any State you put into will supply 
 Provisions or any necessaries that may be wanted — to some of 
 them you are to address your Prizes; and must advise this Com- 
 mittee of your proceedings as opportunitys occur. You are also 
 1 Out-Letters of the Continental Marine Committee, i. 14. 
 
31 
 
 to furnish us in due time with a Copy of your log book and Journal, 
 and advise us of any important intelligence that may come to your 
 knowledge. With the best wishes for your success We are Sir 
 your friends, etc. 
 
 [Captain Hector McNeill] 
 
 Instructions of the Marine Committee for Captains 
 John Manley, Hector McNeill and Thomas Thompson ^ 
 
 [Philadelphia], October 23, 1776 
 
 Gentlemen, — We expect the Continental frigates Hancock, 
 Boston and Raleigh, under your respective commands, are either 
 now ready for the Sea or shortly will be so. You are hereby 
 directed to act in concert and Cruize together for the following 
 purposes and on the following Stations. Your first object must be 
 to inform yourselves in the best manner possible, if any of the 
 British men of war are Cruizing in the bay of Boston or off the 
 Coast of Massachusetts, and all such you are to endeavour with 
 your utmost force to take, sink, or destroy. Having effected this 
 service you are to proceed together towards Rhode Island and there 
 make prize of or destroy any of the enemies Ships of war that may 
 be found Cruizing off the Harbour or Coast of Rhode Island. 
 
 The Prizes you make are to be sent into the nearest Port. When 
 you arrive at Rhode Island, if Commodore Hopkins - should not 
 be already sailed on his Southern expedition and the two frigates ^ 
 built in that State should not be ready for the sea, in that case 
 you are to join Commodore Hopkins and proceed with him on the 
 said expedition, producing these orders to him to justify the meas- 
 ure. But if the Rhode Island frigates should be ready for the 
 sea there will be no occasion for you or either of you to go 
 Southward. And you will then proceed taking with you any Con- 
 tinental Vessel that may be at Rhode Island and ready, if Com- 
 modore Hopkins should be sailed before you come there, and pro- 
 ceed to Cruize against the enemies Ships and Vessels that may 
 be found off the Coast between the Harbour of Newport and the 
 Banks of Newfound Land. 
 
 We have no doubt from your zeal and attachment to the cause 
 of America, that you will execute this service with all possible 
 dispatch and vigor, and so bid you heartily farewell. 
 
 1 Out-Letters of the Continental Marine Committee, i. 42. 
 
 2 Esek Hopkins, senior officer of the Continental Navy. 
 
 3 The Warren and Providence. 
 
32 
 
 To The Massachusetts Board of War^ 
 
 Gentlemen, — I am in want of good Swivle guns and as I 
 understand there are fourteen such as would Suit very well now 
 in Store at Rowes Wharf, which have been taken out of the 
 Brig^° Charming Sally and the Ship Julius Ceasar, 
 
 I humbly pray that you would Supply me with the above 
 mentioned guns and their implements, the agent, or my Self will 
 pay the price they may be apprized at with Thanks, I am Gentle- 
 men your Most Obed' Servant 
 
 Hector McNeill. 
 
 Boston Jan^ i^' 1777. 
 
 [Addressed] To the Hon*''" Board of War 
 
 To the Council of Massachusetts ^ 
 To the Honourable the Council of the Massachusetts State. 
 
 Gentlemen, From the frequent proofs I have had of the 
 baseness of the lower Class of Mankind, and from the proness I 
 can observe in the different ranks above them to make use of the 
 folly's or Vices of the common people, to serve their own particular 
 private Views; I have often look'd with Surprise and infinite con- 
 cern, on the inatention of the Fathers of this People, who are (in 
 my Opinion) as much accountable, for the Conduct of those under 
 their Charge, as any head of a Family can possible be suppos'd, 
 if for want of proper regulations, they suffer the individuals under 
 their care, to stray from the paths of Virtue. What I would 
 more particularly point out at this time, is that there is scarcely 
 a day passes but instances offer, of desertions from Regiments and 
 Ships in the Continental Service, yet within my Knowledge there 
 has not been a single instance of punishing an offender; nor is 
 there a Law in being, to bring them to Justice. This is an evil 
 which Gentlemen in your high distinguish'd rank sometimes hear 
 of, but do not feel, nor are you in the least acquainted with the 
 weight and discouragement it is to Officers who are more immedi- 
 ately concern'd with these unguarded Mortals, and who from the 
 nature of their Employments, are accountable to the Publick 
 for their line of Conduct. With what Spirit can an Officer carry 
 
 ^ Mass. Archives, clh. 22. 
 
 2 From the Gray Papers. No date; probably January, 1777. 
 
33 
 
 on the publick Service, if he be not guarded by the Laws of the 
 land, or instead of being guarded, should find himself insulted 
 by a petty constable with Benj'a Rents Authority in his hand, 
 for having acted consistent with his Duty, in endeavoring to stop 
 desertion, or quell mutiny among men in the publick Service, under 
 his command? This has been the case with some Officers already. 
 With what Spirit can an officer advance Monies to Cloathe the 
 Naked Objects, who offer themselves, as willing to serve in their 
 severall Capacity's, if the next moment those Men may with 
 impunity go away in a Privateer, or enter into any other Corps, 
 either by Sea or Land? and run no risque by being detected? For 
 mine own part I expect to be accountable to the publick, not 
 only for my Conduct, but also for all Sums I receive from the 
 Agents from time to time, and notwithstanding, I see myself 
 Exposed to bad Men who may leave me, and the Service also, 
 (as many have done) within twenty four hours after I advance 
 them Money; yet I cannot see them pinch'd for want of Cloath- 
 ing at this rude Season of the year, without giving them at least 
 what will keep them from Perrishing with Cold. In this day of 
 Trial your Honors know, that one Months pay will buy but little 
 Cloathing for either Seamen or Marines, more must be advanc'd 
 otherwise no Service can be expected from them. The Conse- 
 quence frequently is, that those Men run off, either in Privateers, 
 enter into some Regiment, or walk off to the next Town and there 
 do by some other as they have done before by me. What recom- 
 pence have I, or how is the Publick Service to be carried on in 
 this way! how shall I be accountable for Monies thus Expended, 
 or (which is a consideration still more alarming) what will become 
 of the Morrals of the common people, unless a stop is soon put 
 to such infamous practices! Would it not be consistent with the 
 Wisdom and Justice of the Legislative body of this State, to do 
 as in like cases has allways been done by prudent people, in time 
 of War in ail Countrys ; and which is now practised by our Sister 
 States, to the Southward of us, that is to make some regulation 
 whereby all Travellers, on the Publick Roads, should be obliged 
 to give an account of themselves, to proper persons of the Com- 
 mittee's of Safety, in each Town as they pass? This regulation 
 would not be burthensome to honest Men but would Effectually 
 stop all runaways of every denomination, and prevent many abuses 
 which in our present deplorable Condition happens every day. 
 Had such a regulation been attended to, some Months past, I 
 had not been now loitering inactive in this port, nor would it have 
 been in the power of the owners and Commander of the Rising 
 
34 
 
 States'^ to have carried on their iniquitous Schemes and Laugh'd 
 with impunity at your Authority. 
 
 [Memorandum] Copy to Council. 
 
 To THE Council of Massachusetts ^ 
 
 Boston, January 30th, 1777. 
 
 Gentlemen: — I did apply last Monday Morning for an Order 
 of your Honourable Board to Search a Certain Privateer call'd 
 the Rising States, on board of which I had reason to think some 
 of my Men were embark'd with an intention to desert the Publick 
 Service. 
 
 The Order was Granted and a proper Officer appointed for that 
 Service, but before these could be Accomplished the Vessell Sail'd. 
 
 Your Honours thought proper on further information to order 
 Mr. Cudworth down to Plymouth, as it was reported the Privateer 
 would call in there to receive on board a Certain Captain Thomp- 
 son and others, who were to proceed on a Cruise in the Vessell 
 Aforesaid. Mr. Cudworth did proceed to Plymouth, or near it, 
 and return'd to this Town last evening, and reports as follows: 
 
 That being met on the road by the Hon'ble B. Genl: Warren 
 to whom he related the Business on which he was going, the 
 General told him that no such Vessell was or had been lately at 
 Plymouth, on which Mr. Cudworth return'd in Company with the 
 General and were met on the Road by our Captain of Marines 
 whom I had dispatched after Mr. Cudworth to Assist him if 
 Necessary. 
 
 He also returns with Genl. Warren and Mr. Cudworth and 
 having taken Lodgings on Tuesday evening at Mr. Cushing's of 
 Hingham, they were soon joined by the aforesaid Captn. James 
 Thompson of the Brigt. Rising States who brought with him in a 
 Coach five sailors. 
 
 Capt: Thompson seem'd a little alarm'd at seeing Mr. Cudworth 
 and our Officer of Marines at that place before him, but as none 
 of the five Men with him were personally known by our officer, 
 Mr. Cudworth let them all pass. Genl. Warren advised our Cap- 
 tain of Marines to return to Plymouth, which he Accordingly did 
 yesterday Morning before the Coach or its passengers were stiring. 
 Mr. Cudworth informs no farther of his proceedings. 
 
 1 A privateer which sailed from Boston January 26, 1777, and in April 
 was captured by the British. 
 
 2 Mass. Arch., cxcvi. 180. 
 
35 
 
 I had sent two Officers on Tuesday to Marblehead having had 
 information that Men were to be collected at that place and sent 
 over to Plymouth. Those Officers are now return'd and report 
 to me that they found a Certain Mr. Fritz, now Captain of Marines, 
 and a Certain Mr. Martin, now Carpenter of the Rising States, 
 with them. They also found about Nine Men who were then 
 waiting an opportunity to go off on board the above mention'd 
 Brigantine, which was then in sight Lying off, and on; on the 
 Harbours Mouth. 
 
 My Officers apply'd to the Committee, who could give them no 
 other Assistance than to call those Officers before them, and on 
 examination they did confess that they were bound on a Cruise 
 on board the said Brigantine Rising States, but would give no 
 farther Satisfaction. 
 
 I thought it necessary to give your Honours the above informa- 
 tion as soon as possible; and am Your Honours most Obedient, 
 Humble Servant Hector McNeill 
 
 Records of the General Court of Massachusetts ^ 
 
 [Extract] 
 
 April 26, 1777. In the House of Representatives. Whereas the 
 Ships of our Enemies are daily making Captures of Vessels belong- 
 ing to the Subjects of the United States and of their Allies and 
 Friends, even within sight of our very Towns — which, if not 
 prevented by a Superiour Force, may ruin the Trade of the said 
 Inhabitants, etc. and be of the worst Consequences to the Interest 
 of the United States at large — , and whereas the Owners of 
 numbers of Armed Vessels belonging to the Inhabitants of this 
 and some other of the United States now ready for the Sea are 
 willing to go and Act for twenty-five days from their Sailing in 
 Concert with the Continental Frigates the Hancock, commanded 
 by Capt. John Manly, and the Boston, commanded by Capt. 
 Hector McNeil, which Frigates are represented to this House as 
 also ready for Sea, provided Capt. John Manly be furnished by this 
 State with the Sum of four Hundred pounds and the said Capt. 
 Hector McNeil the sum of One thousand six hundred and thirty- 
 five pounds, eighteen Shillings and eleven pence, to enable them 
 to put the said Ships to Sea, the said Manly and McNeil being 
 accountable for the several Sums by them received. Therefore it is 
 
 1 Mass. Archives. 
 
36 
 
 Resolved, that there be paid out of the Treasury of this State 
 to Capt. John Manly for the purpose aforesaid the Sum of Four 
 Hundred pounds; and to Capt. Hector McNeil for the purpose 
 aforesaid the said Sum of one Thousand six hundred and thirty- 
 five pounds, eighteen Shillings and eleven pence. They being 
 accountable for the same respectively. 
 In Council Read and Concurred, 
 Consented to by fifteen of the Council. 
 
 In the House of Representatives. The Owners and Agents of 
 the Privateers hereafter mentioned expect that this State will 
 Insure their Vessels at the full amount of their Outsetts from all 
 Dangers of Seas and Enemy while under the Command of the 
 Officer Appointed by the Court. 
 
 The Commanders and Privates of the Private Armed Vessels 
 expect in Case of Accident to be upon the same footing exactly 
 that the Captains Manly and McNeil and their men are, as to 
 pensions and one months pay. The Owners expect the Ammunition 
 expended in time of Action on this Cruize shall be made good by 
 this State. 
 
 If any Vessel should be parted by accident from the Fleet and 
 should take a prize or prizes before the Expiration of the Time 
 agreed on, the prizes so taken shall be equally divided amongst 
 the whole Fleet as tho' they had all been in Company. 
 
 The Vessells shall Cruize under Command of Captain Manly 
 or Commanding Officer of the Continental Ships for the term 
 of twenty-five days from the day of Sailing, unless the Commander 
 shall come into port and discharge them sooner. 
 
 The State shall pay a Months pay to 
 
 American Tarter 24 Guns 200 Men Capt. Grimes 
 
 General Mifflin 20 do 200 do Capt. Day 
 
 Portsmouth 20 do 180 do Capt. Parker 
 
 Brig Hawk 14 80 do Capt. Oaks 
 
 Sloop Satisfaction 14 100 Capt. Wheelwright 
 
 Schooner America 14 100 Capt. [Daniel] McNeil 
 
 Schooner Active 10 65 Capt. Gardner 
 
 Schooner Speedwell 8 60 Capt. Greely 
 
 Schooner Buckram 6 45 Marony 
 
 Upon their producing a Certificate of their having performed 
 the agreement from the Commanding Officer of this Fleet . . . 
 
 The Owners shall give Bonds and the Masters be on Oath to 
 comply with these terms and not to leave the Fleet, but through 
 absolute Necessity untill the Time is expired . . . 
 
37 
 
 And the Officers of the above Vessels are permited to Inlist any 
 man that Offer, they not belonging to the Navy or Army or any 
 French Ship or Vessel that has or shall arrive in in this State . . , 
 
 To John Paul Jones* 
 Sir 
 
 You are hereby Order'd and directed to attend at a Court Martial 
 tomorrow Morning at Nine o Clock on board the Hancock in Con- 
 gress Road, there to try the following Persons, Viz't: 
 
 Leblun Baker, Pilott Robert Stoutly 
 
 Phillip Bass Jun'r David Ensigne 
 
 Nath'l Winchester Joseph Petters and 
 
 Peter Jennis Thomas Carren 
 
 all of whom Stand Charged by Captain John Manley Commander 
 of the said Ship for Mutiny. 
 Fail not. 
 
 Given on board the Ship Boston in Nantasket Road 
 this 7th day of May 1777. 
 
 Hector McNeill. 
 
 To William Mackay and Jonas Clark Minott * 
 
 Gentlemen, — You being unanimously appointed by the Ships 
 Company of the Boston as joint Agents for them to receive any 
 prize which shall be sent in to any of the Ports of the four eastern 
 States of New England by the said Ship — This is to direct and 
 order you in all cases which may hereafter happen how to Con- 
 duct yourselves in the Libeling, unloading, and sale of such Prize 
 or Prizes, Namely: as soon as any prize arrives, in this, or the 
 States above Mention'd, you do in our Names and for our behalf 
 — instantly Libell the same, taking care to keep our prize Master 
 with some faithfull Persons constantly on board to attend to the 
 unloading etc. of her Cargo. This you may do in concert with the 
 Continental Agent, taking care that himself or some one by him 
 appointed have sufficient warning from you to attend also, and 
 receive whatever Share of the Goods may be allotted by Congress 
 for the Continent their Share of the Prize. This Division must 
 be made immediately on unloading of all such Articles as can 
 
 1 John Paul Jones mss., Library of Congress. 
 
 2 Letter Book. 
 
38 
 
 admitt of a division — the Hull of the Prize, or any thing else 
 which cannot be divided and shared before the Sale, may be sold 
 at publick outcry, the Money as soon as received must be divided, 
 you taking care to Secure our parts in the most faithfull Manner 
 — after the dividend made and you have taken our Share of the 
 Prize into your Possession you are then to make the best of it 
 for our advantage and keep proper Accounts of your Transac- 
 tions, for which we shall allow you a Commission as in such 
 cases is common, you will pay due attention to all such Instruc- 
 tions as we may hereafter send you. I am Gentlemen at the de- 
 sire and in behalf of myself, the Officers and Men of the Ship 
 Boston — 
 
 Dated on board the Ship Boston H. McN. 
 
 igth May 1777. 
 
 To THE Marine Committee^ 
 
 To the Honourable the Marine Committee of 
 The Honourable the Continental Congress. 
 
 Gentlemen, — The long wish'd for hour is at last come in 
 which I bid farewell, to the sleepy Agents, disheartned Tradesmen 
 and distress'd Seamen who frequent the Streets of Boston. 
 
 Happy should I account myself on my return from a Successfull 
 Cruise, were I assured to find matters better conducted in this 
 quarter than they have hitherto been but alas. Complaints Vanish 
 into Air and there is nobody at home knock where we will. 
 
 I have formerly taken the freedom to mention the most extraor- 
 dinary conduct of the Agents in withholding prize Money and 
 Wages from the poor distress'd Seamen who have hitherto Served 
 in the Continental Vessells — 'tis true I have no reason of Com- 
 plaint myself because I never have been in the way of taking 
 prizes, but the common feelings of humanity for my fellow Men, 
 and the regard for public Justice which should inspire every honest 
 Man, makes me renew this Complaint, even at the risque of your 
 Neglect. Is it Possible for your honest hearts to Suggest That 
 many of the Men who first enter'd into the Service on board the 
 Ships Equip'd at Philadelphia, Winter was a year, are now in a 
 suffering condition, Scatter'd about our Sea Port Towns in this 
 State; nay some who have Served as Officers are reduced to such 
 Misery and distress that they have neither Cloaths to put on nor 
 Victuals to eat. The cry among those unhappy Men is that they 
 
 1 Letter Book. 
 
39 
 
 can neither recover Wages nor Prize Money for their past Services 
 — can it be expected such Men will offer themselves again when 
 we want our Ships Man'd, — or with what face can we ask them 
 to enter, for heavens sake Gentlemen be pleased to enquire into 
 the cause of such Complaints, and let the Wretches who would de- 
 fraud the Labourer of his hire or the honest Seaman of his just 
 due, be brought to Light; that the Odium be not cast (by our 
 publick enemies) on the worthy managers of our affairs — indeed 
 Gentlemen I have seen enough of this Misconduct to believe almost 
 any Complaint in the power of Man to make — and there are such 
 made every day by those Suffering Mortals, would Shock the 
 heart of a Mussulman. For mine own part, I have Suffer'd so 
 much in fitting out the Ship I now have the Honour to Command, 
 that I do not think I would undertake such a Task again for any 
 Sum whatever unless I was better Supported than I have been 
 hitherto. 
 
 The very Interest of Money which I have borrowed and ad- 
 vanced to Carry on the Service of this Ship, would have mentained 
 my Family in Credits, and Mr. Cushing expects that I take all 
 this trouble, and risque on myself without a Commission, nay I 
 have been Obliged to quarrell for Money to pay Men and Officers 
 their Wages up to the 31st of March last — so unreasonable has 
 he been as to insist on the Men's going to Sea, some with Six, 
 others Nine, and some a Twelve Months Wages due. This kind 
 of Treatment to Officers and Men will not do. Gentlemen. They 
 must be duely paid their prize Money as soon as the prize is 
 Sold and the Accounts wound up. They must be paid their 
 Wages allways up to one Month. This will enable them to sup- 
 port themselves and their Familys. Whereas the Mode to this 
 time has left both to starve, on which conditions no good man 
 will stay in the Service. For my part I will freely tell you 
 my Thoughts, be the event what it will, or may it respect 
 whom it will. I have no croneys, or Acquaintance to whom 
 I will either Sacrifise the Publick Service or rights of my 
 Brother Seamen. I will not live, where they are oppress'd or de- 
 frauded — you will therefore I hope Excuse my plain dealing — as 
 what I Sincerely intend is the good of the Service I am Engaged 
 in, and I know it is impossible that can be carried on to good 
 purpose, unless the Strictest Justice be done to the honest fellows 
 who must do the work. To secure which my present plan is to 
 have Agents appointed by the Ships Companys, Officers as well as 
 Men — which Agents shall Libel and receive the true proportion 
 of all Prize Goods allowed the Ships Company by the Resolves 
 
40 
 
 of Congress and let the Continental Agent appear also and receive 
 that Share which of right belongs to the Continent. This Rule 
 to be observed in all things that can possibly be divided — the 
 hull of the Prize or any thing which cannot be so divided to be Sold 
 at Publick outcry and the N'tt Proceeds divided instantly to those 
 Separate Agents for the use of their Constitutents. We have no 
 Idea of the Justice there may be in the Continental Agents taking 
 possession of a Prize the instant she arrives in Port — putting in 
 creatures of his own making to attend the delivery and Sale of her 
 Cargo — then keeping the Captors for Months and Years out of 
 their dividend of Prize Money while they are Starving in want and 
 Misery. This Method which I now propose if approv'd of by the 
 Honourable Congress will cutt off all reasons of Complaint against 
 the Publick Agent on the Score of Prize Money, and he may also 
 be a Check on the Companys Agents; Then their will be a prob- 
 ability of Mens receiving their Money as soon after the Prize is 
 Sold as Possible — Whereas the Contrary has hitherto been Mani- 
 fest. We are much at a Loss how to Conduct ourselves and 
 earnestly wish for some Solid plan for the better regulation of our 
 affairs. I think in Conscience a Man who takes so great a Charge 
 on himself both in providing things for the Ship and paying the 
 Men, ought to have a Commission on the Business he does and not 
 the Lazy Agent who rather Mars than forwards things. I sub- 
 mitt the whole to your Candour and am with all possible respect 
 Your most Obedient and most humble Servant, 
 
 H. McNeill 
 Ship Boston at Sea, 
 2ist May 1777. 
 
 Supplement to the foregoing Letter to the Marine Committee of 
 2ist May 1777. 
 
 I cannot let this Letter go without putting you in Mind of two 
 Sorts of Men who appear to be much Neglected by the Hon'ble 
 Congress, I mean the Surgeons and Chaplains of the Navy, if 
 something better be not done for them, you may be Assured that 
 all the Able Men of both Professions will quit the Service. 
 
 I am Gentlemen with true respect Your most Obedient Servant 
 
 H: McNeill 
 
 Ship Boston at Sea, 
 2ist May 1777. 
 
41 
 
 1777 
 
 AN ALPHABETICAL LIST OF THE NAMES OF OFFICERS 
 AND MEN BELONGING TO THE SHIP BOSTON^ 
 
 Starb<^: watch. Austin Cato Gun N°: i 
 
 Starb<^: watch. 
 Larb^: watch. 
 Larb'^: watch. 
 Starb'^: watch. 
 Larb'': watch. 
 Starb<i: watch. 
 
 Larb'': watch. 
 
 Starbd; 
 Larbi: 
 Starb<i: 
 Starb<i: 
 Larb<J: 
 Starb<J: 
 Starb<i: 
 
 watch, 
 watch, 
 watch, 
 watch, 
 watch, 
 watch, 
 watch. 
 
 BowEN Henry Gun N 27 
 
 Balch Israel 
 
 BoLDERY John 
 
 Bussell Abraham 
 
 Brown Jeremiah F. Braces & Crossjack do 
 
 Blasdell Jonathan Gun N 7 
 
 Blackett Joshua Forecastle 
 
 Brown, .. .SciPio to hand Powder main hatchway 
 
 Balch Thomas Sentinel in Ward Room 
 
 Bangs Chdpman Quarf: Deck 
 
 Billiard John Quarf: Deck 
 
 Brown John Gundeck forward [ist Lieut.] 
 
 Balch Benj^: in the Cockpitt [Chaplain] 
 
 Berry Thomas Gun N 3 
 
 Barker Thomas Gun N 27 
 
 Burns Patrick Gunn N 12 
 
 Beal Ebenezer Gun N 11 
 
 Broadstreet Northern 
 
 Bradstreet Hannibal F. Topsail Braces 
 
 Bathorick Abel 
 
 Larb"J: watch. Carleton Sam': Fore Topsail Braces 
 
 Starb"^: watch. Connor Patrick F. Braces & Crossjack do 
 
 do Clark Peter Gun N 3 
 
 do Crowningshield Benj*: Gun N 9 
 
 do Cavey Peter Gun N 27 
 
 Larb**: watch. Costelloe John Gun N": 8 
 
 Larb"^: watch. Connell Phillip Gun N°: 25 
 
 Larb'^: watch. Cutter Thomas Gun N 11 
 
 Starb'^: watch. Crowely Barth'^: in Fore Top 
 
 Larb**: watch. Calef Winter F. Braces & Crossjack do 
 
 Larb"!; watch. Clough Duke Gun N 2 
 
 Larb<i : watch. Calderwood John 
 
 Larb'^: watch. Crowel William Gun N 4 
 
 Larb"!: watch. Carrel John Fore Top 
 
 Starb'': watch. Coker William M & Miz°: T. S. Braces 
 
 Starb'': watch. Carr Phineas Gun N 9 
 
 Starb^: watch. Crane Benj^: 
 
 Choate John Gun N 11 
 
 Starb"!; Watch. Cateran Will™: Gun N 4 
 
 Larb**: watch. Connell Henry Gun N°: 2 
 
 Starb^: watch. Chaddock John 
 
 1 From the Gray Papers. 
 
42 
 
 Starb"': watch. Cowart Cornelius Fore Braces &c 
 
 LarM: watch. Connell Patrick Gun N 29 
 
 Starb'^: watch. Crowel Christ'": Gun N 9 
 
 Starb<^: watch. Cossa. . . .Ezekiel Fore Top 
 
 Starb**: watch. Connell Dennis to attend lights between decks 
 
 Larb<^: watch. Coupi. . . . John F. Braces & Crossjack do 
 
 Larb<J: watch. Davis Thomas Main Rigging 
 
 Starb^: watch. Dalaney John Forecastle 
 
 Starb'^: watch. Dodge Zachariah 
 
 Larb'': watch. Dodge Hampshire Gun N 10 
 
 Starb**: watch. Dodge James 
 
 Starb*^: watch. Downs Joseph 
 
 Davis William in the Cockpitt 
 
 Starb**: watch. Dovrell Thomas Gun N 11 
 
 Larb'^: watch. 
 Starb^: watch. 
 Starb<^: watch. 
 
 Elmes James Main Top 
 
 Elmes Elkanah 
 
 Elliot John M & Miz°: 
 
 T. S. Braces 
 
 Larb'': watch. Faris William Gun N 12 
 
 Starb**: watch. Frame Robert Gun N 25 
 
 Starb'^: watch. Fitzgerald. .. .John Main Rigging 
 
 Starb<^: watch. Fitzgerald James Gun N 12 
 
 Starb"!; watch. Freeman Adam Gun N": 7 
 
 Starb<J: watch. Foster Benj^: — Gun N 9 
 
 Starb'^: watch. French James Gun N 6 
 
 Starb'^: watch. Fullerton John M & Miz°: T. S. Braces 
 
 Starb'^: watch. Freeman Nero Gun N^: 11 
 
 Larb'': watch. Freeman Cuff 
 
 Starb'^: watch. Fowles .... Lemuel Fore Top 
 
 Faris Jack to hand Powder main hatch way 
 
 Foster .... Thomas at the Magazine 
 
 Furlong. .. .Lawrence Quarf: deck 
 
 Fairweather C^sar to hand Powder fore hatch way 
 
 Larb'': watch. Green .... Henry in the Ward Room 
 
 Starb'^: watch. Gillard . . . . John Forecastle 
 
 Starb<i: watch. Garratt John Gun N 25 
 
 Larb'': watch. Gouge James 
 
 Larb<^: watch. Gott. .. .Joshua Gun N 10 
 
 Starb"^: watch. Gritfen. . . .James — Gun N 9 
 
 Larb^J: watch. Gray Samuel Gun N 4 
 
 Gilbert Prince to hand Powder fore hatch way 
 
 Gragg Samuel to hand Powder fore hatch way 
 
 Starb^: Watch. Gross Simon Gun deck abaft [Lieut.] 
 
 Starb'': watch. Harris John 
 
 Larb<i: watch. Hogg Eben"": — Gun N 10 
 
 Larb<^: watch. Hall John 
 
 Lard*": watch. Henderson. .. .Joseph Gun N 4 
 
 Larb<^: watch. Harraden Dan': — Gun N 10 
 
 Larb'' : watch . Horne .... Dan ' : 
 
43 
 
 Larb*^: watch. Hathaway Charles M & Miz°: T. S. Braces 
 
 Larb'^: watch. Harraden Joseph Main Top 
 
 Starb'': watch. Hopkins Nath': Miz°: Mast 
 
 Larb<*: watch. Hudson Thomas Gun N^: 6 
 
 Larb'': watch. Hutchins W™: Main Mast 
 
 Larb*^: watch. Heck Francis M & Miz": T. S. Braces 
 
 Larb**: watch. Henderson Benj'^: — Gun N i 
 
 Starb'^: watch. Hewes John at the Wheel 
 
 Starb*^: watch. Holliday John Main Top 
 
 Starb'^: watch. Jennison .... William [Lt. Marines] 
 
 Starb'': watch. Johnson Benj^-: 
 
 Starb^*: watch. Jones Alex"": Gun N°: 8 
 
 Starb"^: watch. Irish John Gun N 8 
 
 Starb'^: watch. Ingersoll Joseph Gun N ii 
 
 Larb'^: watch. Kelly Mathew Fore Braces & Crossjack Braces Star- 
 board Side 
 
 Starb'': watch. Knowles James Gun N°: 6 
 
 Larb'J; watch. Kimball Edward Gun N 29 
 
 Larb"*: watch. Killmarnock . . . . Alex"" : Gun N 5 
 
 Starb"*: watch. Keef John M. Topsail Braces 
 
 Larb'^: watch. Low John at the Wheel 
 
 Larb'^: watch. Lowell Ezra at the Spare TUler 
 
 Larb<J: watch. Lead an John Gun N 4 
 
 Larb<^: watch. Lovering Tho^: 
 
 Larb^: watch. Lunt Timothy Gun N°: 6 
 
 Larb^: watch. Leblanch .... Lewis Main Top 
 
 Larb^: watch. Lloyd Arthur Gun N 10 
 
 Larb'': watch. Lee....C^sar F. Braces & Crossjack do 
 
 Starb'': watch. Leadbetter. . . .Increase 
 
 Larb'^: watch. Liscomb William Gun N 27 
 
 Lamb William Quarf: Deck 
 
 Lewis .... Joseph Forecastle 
 
 Larbf^: watch. Lubey Richard Fore Tops': Braces 
 
 L. Linn John in the Cockpitt [Surgeon] 
 
 M<=:Neill Hector Esq"": Qu"": Deck 
 
 Larb<^: watch. Mc:Neill Rob*: [ist Lt. Marines] 
 
 Starb'': watch. Mitchell John Fore Topsail Braces 
 
 Starb'': watch. Milne John Gun N 5 
 
 Larb"!: watch. McNeill Hect"": Jun""; Gun N": 11 
 
 Larb'^: watch. Mitchell George — Gun N 7 
 
 Starb<J: watch. Murphy Michael in Ward Room 
 
 Larb'^: watch. Morgan John — Gun N 8 
 
 Larb<i: watch. Munro William Gun N S 
 
 Starb'': watch. Mc:Kinnon Charles Gun N°: 3 
 
 Larb<': watch. Mc:Dowell. .. .Edward Gun N 11 
 
 Starb"^: watch. Meservey Phillip Gun N 25 
 
 Starb'': watch. Masterman James M. T. S. Braces 
 
 Starb**: watch. Morgan Thomas Main Top 
 
 Starb'': watch. M^Intyer W°»: Gun N 29 
 
44 
 
 LarM: watch. Mitchell Joshua in the Hold 
 
 Larb^: watch. Mitchell Joseph Gun N°: i 
 
 Larb**: watch. Moulton Barth^: 
 
 Larb<^: watch. Mehaney Jeremiah Sf*: M. Sh^^s: 
 
 Larb'': watch. Mullcahey Michael Gun N 7 
 
 Larb*^: watch. Murray. .. .John — Gun N 9 
 
 Starb**: watch. McLaughlin Law<=^: Gun N^: 10 
 
 Starb'^: watch. Mascoll Joseph larb^*: M": Shrouds 
 
 Starb<*: watch. McNeill Charles to attend Ughts between decks 
 
 Larb'': watch. Moody Sajmuel Main Top 
 
 Larb<^: watch. Mugford W™: Gun N 6 
 
 Starb<i: watch. Mulling W'": Gun N 25 
 
 Meschinet Jn°: in the Cockpitt 
 
 Starb"^: watch. McElroy David M & Miz^: T. S. Braces 
 
 Larbi^: watch. Nobel Mark Gun N^: 7 
 
 Starb<*: watch. Nowell Sam': Gun N 3 
 
 Starb'' : watch. Nock James 
 
 Starb^ : watch . Newman W™ : 
 
 Larb'': watch. Nichols Rob': Gun N°: : 
 
 Larb<^ : watch . No wlan Rich^ : 
 
 Starb-J: watch. Brien Will™: Gun N 4 
 
 Larb'': watch. O Breen Joseph Gun N 2 
 
 Larb^: watch. Osgood Nehemiah Gun N 29 
 
 Starb'^: watch. Parrott John M & Miz°: T. S. Braces 
 
 Starb^: watch. Pettit Joseph F. Braces & Crossjack do 
 
 Larb'': watch. Parsons Zaccheus Gun N 12 
 
 Larb'^: watch. Parker Caleb — Gun N 9 
 
 Larb'^: watch. Perkins Thomas 
 
 Larb**: watch. Pettingale Ephraim Gun N 4 
 
 Starb**: watch. Parker Thomas Fore Top 
 
 Larb^: watch. Plunket Abraham 
 
 Larb**: watch. Phelps Aholiab 
 
 Larb'*: watch. Pederson Hants Gun N s 
 
 Starb**: watch. Peirce Benj'': Gun N 7 
 
 Starb'': watch. Potter. . . .John 
 
 Larb'': watch. Perry. . . .Jacob 
 
 Starb<^: watch. Philbrook Joel 
 
 Larb'': watch. Pitts Boston Fore Braces &c 
 
 Starb"^: watch. Petters . . . . Pomp Gun N 8 
 
 Starb*" : watch. Paine Richard Gun N 3 
 
 Larb'': watch. Parsons W™: Gun N 12 
 
 Larb^: watch. Parker. .. .Joseph Fore Top 
 
 Palmes Richard [Capt. Marines] 
 
 Larb'^: watch. Rogers Chace Gun N": 6 
 
 Starb"!: watch. Ropes William Gun N 2 
 
 Larb'': watch. Ryan Michael Gun No; 5 
 
 Starb'': watch. Ricker John to attend the lights between decks 
 
45 
 
 Starb**: watch. Stockbridge Saai': 
 
 do Smith .... John — at the Wheel 
 
 Larb'^: watch. Smith Andrew Gun N 2 
 
 Larb**: watch. Shaw Thomas Forecastle 
 
 Starb^: watch. Sth-es Richard Miz°: Mast 
 
 Starb^: watch. Snooks William Main Top 
 
 Starb<*: watch. Sleeper John — in the Hold 
 
 Larb<^: watch. Smith Joseph 
 
 Larb'': watch. Sherburne Tho^: 
 
 Larb*^: watch. Sampson Nath': 
 
 Starb'': watch. Sims James Fore Top 
 
 Starb'^: watch. Storow Jethro Gun N 12 
 
 Starb*^: watch. Sprague Labon 
 
 Starb**: watch. Sweetland Rich^: Gun N 5 
 
 Sawyer Moses in the Cockpitt 
 
 Starb^J; watch. Shoot Adam in Fore Top 
 
 Larb"^: watch. Sulla way John 
 
 Starb^: Watch. Tapping Benj^: Gun N 10 
 
 Larb"': watch. Taylor James Gun N 3 
 
 Starb<i: watch. Tobine Patrick Gun N 8 
 
 Larb<i: watch. Terry London Gun N S 
 
 Starb^': watch. Thornton James Main Top 
 
 Starb<J: watch. Tott. . . .Mathew Gun N i 
 
 Larb'^: watch. Tree Francis Gun N 2 
 
 Larb'': watch. Webber Dan': Main & Miz°: Top S': Braces 
 
 Larb'': watch. Willson John Gun N": 2 
 
 Larb'^: watch. Whalon And*^: Gun N 12 
 
 Larb<*: watch. Wisdom John Gun N 12 
 
 Larb"^: watch. Welch Walter — Fore Top 
 
 Larb<i: watch. Wise W™: to hand Powder after hatch way 
 
 Larb'': watch. Woodbery. . . .Cornelius 
 
 Larb<^: watch. Webb John — Gun N°: 8 
 
 Starb<*: watch. Wood John 
 
 Larb'^: watch. Willson James Main Top 
 
 Starb"*: watch. Woodman Benj^: Gun N 6 
 
 Larb<*: watch. Wood Cato Fore TopsaU Braces 
 
 Larb"!; watch. Winslow Nicholas to hand Powder after hatchway 
 
 Starb**: watch. Waters William 
 
 Starb<*: watch. Wetherell Abel to hand Powder main hatchway 
 
 Starb*^ : watch. Williams Benj^ : 
 
 Wood WELL Gideon in the Hold 
 
 Starb<^ : watch. Washburn Gideon 
 
 Starb'' : watch. Williams Charles 
 
 Starb<^: watch. Wood Cuff F. Braces & Crossjack 
 
 Starb'': watch. Woodberry Lemuel Gun N i 
 
 Larb<^: watch. Wright. .. .W™: Gun N 7 
 
 Starb^: watch. Webber Richard Gun N 10 
 
 Woodman Daniel Gun N 3 
 
 Starb^: watch. Woodwell Gideon Jun"": Gun N i 
 
 Larb^: watch. Welch Hezekiah, in the Waist [Lieut.] 
 
46 
 
 A Journal of our Intended Cruse in the Good Ship Boston 
 
 Bound out a Cruse by God's parmission. 
 Hector McNeill, Esq'r, Commander.^ 
 
 On the 21 of May at 12 on meriden the Commodore fird Signal 
 for Sailing. The fleet got under way at 2 p.m. and stood to Sea so 
 God be pleased to send us to our desired port againe in Safty. 
 This 24 hours Ends with a fresh Breeze. Nothing Remarkable. 
 
 Thursday, May the 22. At 6 in the morning made the Land in 
 off Boston. At 10 a.m. Bore away for the Eastern point. At 11 
 the tartar ^ Joned us and a small privetare ^ Commanded by one 
 Capt. Morone. She Inform us that She spake a Scooner from Cape 
 Cod that was Chaced in by two frigats belongin to the British 
 tyrants. It is Supposed that we are a goin in pursute of them. 
 Their is 2 frigats and 2 20 Guns Ships and 6 armed Vesels of us 
 all. This 24 hours ends Clear and pleasant. 
 
 Friday, 23. This 24 hours Begins with a fresh Breeze. Lay of 
 and on. Capt. M's Boat Came on Bord. Cape Ann Bore NNE 
 Dist. 4 Leag. Stood to the N. 
 
 At 2 a.m. Wore Ship. Laid hir head to the So. At 8 a.m. 
 Cape Ann Bore NWBW Dist. 7 Leagues. Nothing Remarkable 
 this 24 hours. 
 
 Saturday the 24 of May, 1777. This 24 hours Begins with a 
 Moderate Breze and Clear weather. At 6 p.m. TK [tacked] Ship 
 Laid hir head to westward. Hald up the Coursees handed the 
 Staisels. 
 
 At 8 p.m. saw a Saile to Leward. Bore up for hir. Sat F. S. and 
 mizen. At 11 p.m. tack Ship. At 2 p.m. saw Capt. Manly in 
 Chace of a Ship. At 3 p.m. saw Cape Ann. We Bore a way two 
 for the Chace with all Sails sot. Chaced hir in off Portsmouth. 
 It proved to be the Portsmouth * frigate Capt. parcker Commander. 
 So Ends this 24 hours with moderate weather, 9 Saile of the fleet 
 in sight. 
 
 Sunday, May 25. This 24 hours Begins with Clear weather 
 and Small Brezes of wind. At 4 p.m. Portsmouth Bore NBW 
 dist. 5 Leagues. At 6 the Isle of Sholes Bore WBN dist. 4 Legues. 
 Lay two with hir head to the SE with the FTS to the mast. At 
 8 p.m. Spake the Commoder. At 4 a.m. made saile. At 10 a.m. 
 the fleet hove two. Saw the Land. 
 
 1 From the Gray Papers. 
 
 2 The privateer American Tartar. 
 
 3 Schooner Buckram, Captain Marony. 
 * The privateer Portsmouth. 
 
Sketches by Captain McNeill 
 illustrating the chase and 
 engagements of yuly 7^ mi- 
 Gray Papers^ 
 
 
 ■'•^-u-ftiSf 
 
 • c 
 
^4 
 
 \^ 
 
 
 J, s- o-^e^cL -^ -4L 
 
 
 iy 
 
 J 
 
 t 
 
 ^f^{tJ. A At 
 
-4. 
 
 
 ' 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 c i 
 
 i 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 i 
 
 v_, , ., ^ „^_ 
 
 .^im 
 
 ! 
 
 :^ 
 
 A \ 
 
 itJi^ 
 
 
 '? 
 
ki 
 
 
^^^. <|:- 
 
 -^Bk 
 
 (c'^ 
 
 ',-'• i 
 
 -A 
 
47 
 
 At 12 or meridian Wood Island Bore NWBW Distance 3 
 Leagues. From that I tacke my departure Being in the Lattude 
 of 43.43 and Longitude 68,18 W. 
 
 Monday, 26. This 24 hours Begins Hazey weather. At 2 p.m. 
 set the F. hove the mizen T.S. to the mast to speak the Com- 
 mander. At 3 a.m. the Mifline ^Bore a way for falmouth. She 
 had the small pox on Bord. 
 No Obs. 
 
 Tusday the 27. This 24 hours Begins Strong Gails and Drizlen 
 Raine. Parted with all the fleet but one and that is the Commo- 
 dore. Latter part of this 24 hours ends with Strong Gails and 
 Shiped a Great Deal of water. Distance per Log 100 mils. 
 No Obs. 
 
 Wednesday the 28. This 24 hours Begins with a fresh Gale and 
 a heavey Sea under Reeft Courses. At 6 p.m. Capt. Manly came 
 up and Joined us. At 10 Hald up the M. S. 
 
 Latter part of this 24 hours ends with Strong Gails and Larg 
 Sea from the Eastward. 
 No Obs. to day. 
 
 Thusday, 29th. This 24 hours Begins with a fresh Breze and 
 Clear weather. Capt. Manly in Company with us. Nothing 
 Remarkable, 
 
 Friday 30. This 24 hours Begins with modrate Breaze and a 
 heavey Sea from the Eastward, At 6 p.m. saw a Saile to the So. 
 Gave Chace. At ^ past 7 Came up with the Chace witch proved 
 to be a Brig from London Bound to York Laden with Marchandize 
 who Gave us Intelligence that she sailed in company with 7 Sail 
 of transports having on Bord 3500 troops under Convoy with the 
 Sumer Set [Somerset] of 64 Guns and the Marcerry [Mercury] 
 of 28 Bound for York. At 5 a.m. saw 4 Saile to windward Stand- 
 ing to the west. Gave Chace and Cleard Ship for Engagement. 
 Lay by till they Came with in Gun Shot of Capt Manly. We Stood 
 a Long upon a wind in order to Cut of Some of the transports. 
 She fird Sevral Guns at Capt. Manly and he Returned the Same. 
 Saturday, May 31, 1777. This 24 hours Begins with Modrate 
 Breaze and a tumbling Sea. 
 
 The Sumer Set Still in Chace of us. Capt. Manly to Leeyard 
 all most out of sight. At 6 p.m. she tack Ship and Stood for hir 
 Ship. Latter part Ends with Cloudy. L, 37.51. 
 
 Sunday, June the i 1777. This 24 hours Begins with a fresh 
 Gale and Large Sea witch makes our Ship Labour and Ship much 
 water. 
 
 1 The privateer General Mifflin. 
 
48 
 
 Capt. Manly in Company. Ends with fresh Gails and Raine. 
 
 38.01. 
 
 Monday 2d. This 24 hours Begin with fresh Gails and 
 Cloudy weather. At 6 p.m. Spake Capt. Manly who desires us 
 to hall to the South ward while he to the No. to keep the Better 
 Lookout. 
 
 Tuesday 3. This 24 hours Begins a Modrate Breze and Squal- 
 ley with Raine. 
 
 Wednesday the 4 of June. This 24 hours Begins with Light 
 Breze and Clear weather. 
 
 Thursday the 5. This 24 hours Begins with Modrate Breze and 
 hazey weather. All hands Employ'd a Bout Sundres Needful!, 
 
 Friday the 6. This 24 hours Begins with pleasant weather. At 
 3 p.m. Capt. Manlys Boat Came on Board. At 4 p.m. Saw a 
 Saile Leeyard. At 6 Do. Came up with hire. She proved to be a 
 Brig from St. Johns a fishing on gran Bank. Histed out our 
 Boat and went on Board took out the priseners and Set hir on fire. 
 
 Saw a Small Scooner to Leeyard. 
 
 Saturday, June 7, 1777. The first part of this 24 hours was 
 foggey. At 4 P.M. it Cleard a way. Capt Manly sent his Boat 
 on Board of us. One of His Lievt, Mr. Adams came to acquaint 
 us of what Signels to make in a fogg. At 6 p.m. see a Saile to 
 Lewaid we Bore Down to hire when we Came up with hire we 
 found hir to be a fishing Vessaile Belong to Dartmouth in England. 
 Capt. Manly sent his Boat on Bord and we sent our Boat on Bord, 
 took the people out and Sundery Small things and Set hir on fire 
 and then we Steard NNE all Night. At Day Light we see Sevrall 
 Small Bankers, At 5 a.m. we made a Larg Ship Laying by our 
 two Ships. Stood for hire; at 6 a.m. Capt, Manly and she Ex- 
 changed some guns and then she Runn and we in full Chace after 
 hir. 
 
 Sunday 8, 1777. This 24 Begins with fresh Breze and Larg 
 Sea. Betwixt the Hour of 12 and one P.M. Capt. Manly 
 Began to Engage Broide Side and Broide Side, our Ship Coming 
 up fast as Posable at Last we Came up and Gave them a Noble 
 Broid Side witch made them to Strike a meadeatly a Bout half 
 after one. Capt. Manly had some men killed and so had the 
 frigate Cald the fox. Besides Both frigates ware Damaged in their 
 Sails and Rigen. The fox had some of hir yards shot away. We 
 had but little Damage done to us, no Life Lost thanks Be to God 
 and after the Engage was over the fishing vesels tacking us to be 
 British Ships they Came down to us for purtection. 
 
 Monday the 9. This 24 hours Begins with fresh Brezes and 
 
49 
 
 Cloudy. Employ d Gitting the prize in order to Cruse with us lo 
 Saile of fishermen in Sight. 
 
 Tusday the lo June. This 24 hours Begins Cloudy weather. 
 Nothing Remarkable. 
 
 Wednesday the 11 June. This 24 hours Begins with Small winds 
 and vreable. The jox and handcock in Company. 
 
 Thursday the 12. First part of this 24 hours Begins with Cloudy 
 weather. At 10 a.m. saw two Sails to the Eastward made saile for 
 them. Came up with them found them to be 2 of our Concorts 
 that saild in Company with us. 
 
 Friday the 13. This 24 hours Begins with Clear weather and 
 pleasant. 
 
 Saturday the 14. This 24 hours Begins with a fresh Breze. 
 
 Sunday the 15. First part of this 24 hours Begins with pleasant 
 weather. Parted with Capt. Grely. ^ 
 
 Monday the 16. This 24 hours Begins with Cloudy weather and 
 a Larg Sea from the Eastward. 
 
 Tuesday the 17 of June. This 24 hours Begins with a pleasant 
 Breaze. At 3 p.m. saw a Saile to the westward. TK [tacked] 
 Ship, stood for hir. She proved to be Spannish Brig. 
 
 Saw a Nother Saile to Leeyard. Capt. Manly Gave Chace for 
 hir. Came up with hire. She proved to be a French Ship from 
 Cape franceway. At 8 a.m. saw a ship to Leeyard made Saile. 
 She prove to Be a Spannish Ship. Parted with Capt. Gardner in 
 a small privtere. ■ 
 
 Wednesday the 18 of June, 1777. This 24 hours Begins with 
 hazey weather and something Cloudy. 
 
 Thusday the 19 1777. This 24 hours Begins with Clear and 
 pleasant weather. At 10 a.m. Thomas Shaw fell from the main 
 top mast Cap Down in the m. top and Cracked his Scull in two 
 places and all most dead. 
 
 Friday the 20 of June. This 24 hours Begins with Clear and 
 pleasant weather. 
 
 Satrday the 21 of June. This 24 hours Begins with a fresh 
 Breeze and Clear. 
 
 Sunday the 22 of June. This 24 hours Begins with Modrate. 
 
 At 4 p.m. Mr. Hill Come on Bord after some offercer to Gow 
 on Bord the jox. Their went on Bord Mr. Groce and Mr. Milen 
 and Mr. Knowls. 
 
 Monday the 23 of June. This 24 hours Begins with Cloudy 
 weather. 
 
 1 Commanding the schooner Speedwell, privateer. 
 
 2 The schooner Active. 
 
so 
 
 Tusday the 24 of June. This 24 hours Begins with Clouse 
 Cloudy weather and a few Shours of Raine. 
 
 Wednesday the 25 of June. This 24 hours Begins with Clear 
 and pleasant weather and Smooth Sea. Got up to[p]G yard. 
 
 Thusday the 26. This 24 hours Begins with a fresh Breze and 
 Cloudy. At I p.m. Gave over Chaceing a Small Scooner took hir 
 to be one of the amaracan priveters. No Obs'r. 
 
 Friday the 27. This 24 hours Begins with a fresh Breeze and 
 full of fogg. No Obs'r. 
 
 Saturday 28. This Begins with Clear and pleasant weather. 
 Latter part ful of fogg. 
 
 Sunday 29. This 24 hours Begins full of fogg. 
 
 Monday 30. This 24 hours Begins modrate and Hazey weather. 
 
 Tusday July 1. This 24 hours Begin with fogg weather and 
 full of Raine. 
 
 Wednesday July 2. This 24 hours Begins with hazey wather 
 and small Raine. 
 
 Thusday the 3, This 24 hours Begins with fresh Gailes. 
 
 Friday the 4 of July. This 24 hours Begins with Hazey weather. 
 At 7 full of fogg in all Small Sailes. At 7 p.m. spoke the fox they 
 tould us that they had Lost Joshua Mitchel over Bord. At 8 p.m. 
 hove two and Sounded found 45 fathom of water. At 9 made 
 Saile. At 6 a.m. hove two and Caught Sevral Codfish. 
 
 Saturday the 5 of July. This 24 hours Begins Hazey weather. 
 Caught Sevrall Cusk 
 
 Sunday the 6 of July. This first part Small winds and very 
 foggey. At 4 a.m. a Squall of Raine Shifted the wind to the 
 Norrad and fine Clear weather made the Land. At 5 a.m. see a 
 Saile Barring WSW at 8 oclock came up with hir. She was a 
 Sloop from Spanish River Bound to Halifax Capt. Hinkston, 
 Command. We have made a prise of hir and Capt. Manly has got 
 hir in tow. At 8 a.m. hoisted out the Pinnis and Capt. McNeill 
 sent Leut. welch on Bord Capt. Manly with a Letter and at his 
 Return the Pinnis went on Bord the fox with the Doctor to Tarrey. 
 
 Mounday, July 7, 1777. At 12 p.m. Cape Sables Bore WBN 
 Dist. a Bout 7 Leag. This 24 hours attended with Pleasent 
 weather, Light wind. At 6 oclock p.m. see two vesails ^ to the 
 Eastward of us. At 4 a.m. see them again Bearring to the East- 
 wart. Still at 5 a.m. made a Saile ^ Bairing to W, we going WbS. 
 She past us and gave us two guns, as soon as she got in our wake 
 She put a Bout and stood for us and came up with us fast and we 
 
 1 The British ship Rainbow and brig Victor. 
 
 2 The British frigate Flora. 
 
51 
 
 playd a way with our Stairn Chases. At 1 1 a.m. Capt. Manly and 
 the fox and frigate till Darck and could see the frigate two guns 
 after 1 1 we began to Engage and had it very warm, the jox being 
 to Lewyard the frigat at hir and she Run be fore the wind. Ther 
 was a two Decker ^ under our Lee, we ware a Stoping our Shot 
 holes, we thought Not Safe to follow. 
 
 Tusday, July 8, This 24 hours Light winds Pleasant weather. 
 At 12 p.m. Capt. Manly put a Bout Stood after the jox, the 
 two Decker gave Chace to him and fird Sevral guns. He stood 
 away as fast as posable. The frigate - and jox made a Running 
 fight, they stood away a Bout NNE, we stood about NWBN. We 
 lost Sight of Capt. Manly a Bout 4 p.m. But we keep Sight of 
 the jox and our Ship put a Bout and stood for hir; at 35 Minnites 
 shot off the jox, and thought the jox gaind of hir. The frigate 
 mounted 32 or 36 Guns. We are Surrounded with Ships all Round. 
 At 5 a.m. we heard Guns for a Long time. We Expect some En- 
 gagement Soon. We had one Wasborn kiled out Rig[ht], one 
 Green a Quarter master wounded in the Leg, had it Cut of at 8 
 p.m., died at 4 A.M. See the Land. 
 
 Wednesday the g. At 12 p.m. the Sile [Seal] Islands Bore N 
 Dist. a Bout 6 Leg'e at 8 p.m. they Bore E't a Bout 9 Le'e. 
 
 The first part of this 24 hours Modrate pleasant we going under 
 all the Saile that we Could Tack, the Latter part a fresh Gale in 
 all Small Sailes. Expecting Every moment to make the Land. 
 Saw a plenty of Rock wead and old Logs of wood. I Could hearitly 
 wich the Hancock and jox was with us for we are all Most in a 
 Good harbour thanks Be to God. 
 
 Thusday the 10 of July. The first part of this 24 Hours foggey. 
 Sounded Seveiral tims got Bottom from 50 to 60 and 70 fathom. 
 Cach plenty of Mackrell and Cod. At 4 a.m. the fogg cleard away 
 and we made the Land off Menheagin [Monhegan] and fine and 
 pleasa[nt] weather. A Number of Small Craft afishing. At 5 
 oclock this afternoon we Came to an anchor in Sheeps Gut River 
 all well Bord. We have had Sevral men on Bord witch Informes us 
 that the Miljord ^ has Bin up the River. 
 
 Fryday 11. This day pleasant weather. At 10 clock a.m. waide 
 anchor. Came up the River as far as wishcasset Point ware we 
 Murrey Came on Bord and sume more of the Pornceple men of 
 the town. 
 
 Saturday ye 12 of July. This Day Modrate Pleasant weather 
 the wind to the Eastward. Laying at anchor in Sheeps Gut. 
 
 Sunday ye 13 of July. This Day Pleasant weather the wind to 
 
 1 The Rainbow. 2 Flora. s ^ British frigate. 
 
52 
 
 the Eastward. Our Capt. with Sevral Gentlemen went to townsend 
 [Boothbay Harbor] in the Barg. Nothing Remarkable. 
 
 Mounday ye 14 of July. This day Nothing Remarkable. Fine 
 pleasent weather. The Capt. Returned from towns End. 
 
 Tusday ye 15 of July. This day fine Pleasent weather but very 
 warme. The Comt. of Saifty came on Bord to see Capt. McNeill. 
 For my part i hope that we shall Saill from hear Son. 
 
 Wednesday ye 16. This day very pleasant weather. At 4 a.m. 
 Creand Ship Cleand hir Bottom and paid it with Sope and tallow. 
 Nothing Remarkable. 
 
 Thusday ye 17. This day very pleasant weather. We have 
 watered our Ship and wooded and have onmored So that the first 
 wind that will Permit us to gow down River I Expect we shall go. 
 Our Prisseners forteen in Number set of this Day for Boston. I 
 have mored our Ship how Long to Stay God onley knows. Parson 
 hope we shall away to Morrow. 
 
 Fry day 18. This day very pleasent weather Light wind but 
 very veriable. We are all Redy to gow down the River. 
 
 Saturday 19. This day Pleasent weather. Nothing Remarkable. 
 The wind is at the Southward we Cant Git dow[n] the River. 
 
 Sunday 20 of July. This Day Nothing Remarkable a most of 
 the Officers a Shore to Meating. 
 
 Mounday 21. This day Pleasant weather. Our Master and 
 Pilot gone after some Provisions for the Ship. We are waighting 
 for a wind to git out. Capt. McNeill Rec'd a Letter from Pourts- 
 mouth from Capt. Tomson^ by an Express. I hope to be their 
 very Soon my Self. 
 
 Tusday 22. This Morning Raine wind NNE. We hove up at 
 6 a.m. came down the River. Fine Breze. Left our parson on 
 Shore. The wind Soon grew Small and Came to the Southward. 
 We beat some time. Lost ground. It Sot in very foggey. at 
 6 p.m. Came to an anchor and Cought some fresh fish and as we 
 Come out we saw a Ship standing to the westward witch we toock 
 to be a prise, thou we have had Not the Good fortain to tacke any. 
 
 Wednesday 23. This day pleasent weather. At 8 a.m. came to 
 Saile with the wind to the Northward and Stood to the Westward. 
 
 Thusday 24 of July. This Morning Begins of Cape Elizabeth. 
 Small wind to the Southward. Bore away. Came in to falmouth 
 and Came to anchor a Bout 10 oclock a.m. we mord Ship. 
 
 Fryday 25 of July. This day Pleasent weather winds to the 
 Southward. Nothing Remarkable. We keep Employ d a bout the 
 Ships Duty. Our Capt. dined on Shore. 
 
 1 Captain Thomas Thompson, Continental Navy. 
 
S3 
 
 Saturday 26 of July. This day Pleasent weather, the wind to the 
 Southward. Now way Likely for a wind to go away. Our people 
 Brewing Bear. Nothing very Remarkable. 
 
 Sunday 27 of /w/y. This day we had a Sermon on Bord. Noth- 
 ing Rema[rkable]. 
 
 Mounday 28 of July. This day Pleasant weather small winds 
 to the Southward. Our People on Shore a Brewing. Our pinnes 
 Employd a fishing. 
 
 Tusday 29 of July, 1777. This morning very Calm and warm 
 the Middle part Raine and Some Thunder the Latter part Pleasant. 
 We are still Brewing Bear. 
 
 Wednesday 30, 1777. This Morning very pleasent wind to the 
 Northward. Expecting we should come to Saile and go for Pourts- 
 mouth but disapointed. At 7 oclock our Pinnis went on Shore. 
 Brought of 4 Quarters of Beef. At 10 a.m. had a man flogd 3 Doz. 
 Our Capt. Came on Bord with Sevral Gentlemen and orderd all 
 hands to Quarters a Medeatly their was a Larg Ship a Comeing 
 in. It proved to be a prize. 
 
 Thusday, July 31, 1777. This day Pleasent weather wind to the 
 Southward. Nothing very Remarkable. Arrived hear Capt. Green- 
 leaf from Newbery to day and prise Brigg. Our Capt. and Doctor 
 and Mr. Balch dined on Shore. 
 
 Fryday, Aug't i, 1777. This 24 hours winds to the Northward. 
 Latter part to the South. A Number of Gentlemen dined on Board 
 to day with the Capt. and when they went on Shore we gave them 
 a selute of Seven guns. This Day Mr. Winter Calf came on Board 
 to see us. He Left Boston a Munday. Reports of a Number of 
 Ships Cruseing between hear and Boston think it Not Safe to go 
 from hear at preasent. 
 
 Saturday Aug't 2, 1777. This day Light winds to the South- 
 ward very vvarme. Our People on Shore a Brewing. Towards the 
 Eaving we had thunder with Raine. 
 
 Sunday Aug't 3 1777. This day Pleasent very warme. Capt. 
 palms went on Shore and Mr. Welch Likewise to hear the prest. 
 
 Mounday Aug't 4 1777. This day Pleasant weather wind to the 
 North East. No thoughts of Saileing. I know not when we shall. 
 This Day arived two prise Briggs and one Brigg belonging to hear 
 from St. Crux and a Ship from Bilbo with Anchor and Cables for 
 the two 74 Gun Ships. Our Barg was sent to help hir in witch 
 they did at a bout 12 oclock at Night all hand Emploid Gitting 
 of[f] a Ship that had Rune on Shore the Day before. 
 
 Tuesday, Aug't 5, 1777. This day thick foggey weather. We 
 have got our Ships Sides Scraped. The wind being to the East- 
 ward Sevral vessails Came in hear. Nothing very Remarkable. 
 
54 
 
 Wednesday, Aug't 6, 1777. This day Pleasent wather most part 
 of the Day. The Latter part foggey and some Showers of Raine 
 the wind small and variable. 
 
 Thusday, Aug't 7, 1777. This Day very warme wind to the 
 Southward. We have Paid our Ships Sides with tare. 
 
 Fryday, Aug't 8, 1777. This day pleasent weather the wind to 
 the Southward. We have no thoughts of going at preasent. This 
 Day a Rived Prise Brigg Loaded with Salt tacking by a Schooner 
 from Beaverly. 
 
 Saturday, Aug't 9, 1777. This Day very warm wind to the South 
 ward. We are Laying hear with a Number of vessails waighting 
 for a wind. We have a plenty of wood and water and Bear on 
 Bord. Nothing Remarkble. 
 
 Sunday, Aug't 10. This morning a fine Breze of wind at NNW. 
 Several Coasters and Marchants Vessails went out Bound for the 
 westward. At a Bout 7 oclock in the Morning the Capt. came upon 
 the Deack and Orderd us to unmore as fast as we could. He went 
 on Shore him Self. We got unmord, cleared, and Bout 12 oclock 
 we Brock Ground and Came out with a fine Breze and as we Came 
 out of the Sand we see a Brigg witch we took to be a vessaile of 
 force Standing to the westward in full Chase after us and Came 
 up with us fast and got the wind of us. We put a bout to Speake 
 with hir but found we Could Not. We gave hir Several Shot but 
 Could Not Bring hir two. She got in Shore of us and we Stood 
 along againe to the westward with a very Small wind witch came to 
 the Southvk^ard and then we whase oblige to Tack Backwards and 
 forwards. 
 
 Mounday, Aug't 11. This 24 hours small winds to the South- 
 ward. At day Light made the Isle of Sholes a Brigg and a Ship 
 after us. At 12 oclock we got into Pourtsmouth came to anchor 
 in company with Capt. Tompson and Capt. Heyman.^ Nothing 
 Remar[kable]. 
 
 Tusday, Aug't 12. This Day pleasent weather. Capt. McNeill 
 and Capt Tompson went to town. Two off Officers Belonging to 
 the Aljord [Alfred] dined on Bord. 
 
 Wednesday, Aug't 13, 1777. This Day pleasent weather Light 
 winds. Our Capt. came from town. He is Determined to go to 
 Boston the first wind. 
 
 Thusday, Aug't 14, 1777. This Day very warme weather small 
 winds. Nothing very Remarkable. I hope to have a wind soon 
 that will Carrey us to our desired port. 
 
 1 Thomas Thompson and Elisha Hinman, commanding the Continental 
 frigate Raleigh and the ship Alfred. 
 
55 
 
 Fryday, Aug't 15, 1777. This Day attended with Variable 
 winds and Rainey weather the first part pleasent. Nothing Re- 
 markable. 
 
 Saturday, Aug't 16. This day Pleasent weather the first part 
 the wind was to the Northward Latter part to the Southward. At 
 4 oclock in the Morning we unmored our Ship, the Capt. Come on 
 Bord, we got under way as fast as posable we Could, but the flood 
 tide makeing so strong against us that we Could not git out But 
 was obliged to Come to anchor againe. When we shall git out I 
 know not for I think we are unlockey. 
 
 Sunday, Aug't 17, 1777. This Day pleasent the wind to the 
 Eastward at Sun Rise we hove up and tryed to git out but the flood 
 tide macking and the wind so Light we was Obliged to Come to 
 Anchor again. 
 
 Mounday, Aug't 18. At 5 oclock this Morning the wind being 
 to the NNE we hove up and Came out with a fine Brease of wind 
 which Brought us up with Cape Ann and then it fell to a small 
 Brease. We Sail'd a Long and at Soclock in the Eaving we Came 
 to anchor in Merblehead. 
 
 Tusday, Aug't 19. This Day attende with Light winds to the 
 Southward So that we Cant Git out. Our pinnis is gone to Salem 
 with our people that is Sick and Sevral others is gone to Sea their 
 frinds. We shifted our Birth and went further up the harbour. 
 
 Wednesday, Aug't 20. This day Light winds to the Southward. 
 We are gitting our Vessaile in trim for Sailing and fixing quarter 
 Neting. I am in hopes we shall soon git out of this Place and 
 git to Boston. 
 
 Thusday, Aug't 21. At 4 oclock this morning hove up at Marble 
 Head. Came out with the wind at South. We got in as far as 
 Niches Mate at 2 oclock in the After Noon it Being high warter 
 we Came to Anchor parted our Small Bower Cable Let go the 
 Best Bower Brought up at 9 oclock hove up Turnd up as far as 
 Specti[c]al [Island] and then Came to anchor againe thanks Be 
 to God we are Safe a Rived to the port ware we Belong. 
 
 This a true Copey of Benjamin Crowninshie[ld's] Journal on 
 Board the Boston Frigate, Hector McNeill Esq'r Commander. 
 
56 
 
 To Committee of Pownallborough ^ 
 
 To the Gentlemen of the Committe of Safety for the Town of 
 Pownalborough [Wiscasset] . 
 
 Gentlemen 
 
 As friends to your Country, and Men intrusted with the publick 
 affairs of this place in particular, I request the favour of your 
 Company on Board the Boston Frigate this forenoon, I having 
 something to propose to you concerning the publick Service. 1 
 am Gentlemen Your most Obedient Servant 
 
 H. McN. 
 
 Ship Boston 12th July 1777. 
 
 To the Marine Committee^ 
 
 To the Hon'ble The Marine Committe of Congress at Philadel- 
 phia. 
 
 Gentlemen 
 
 I think it my duty to give you as particular an account of my 
 late Cruise as the hasty departure of the present opportunity will 
 admit of. 
 
 On the 2ist of May I sail'd from Nantasket in Company with 
 Capt: Manley and eight or Ten small Privateers, some of whom 
 parted with us by choice, and the remainder by bad weather in 
 Six days after we Sail'd; Captain Manley and myself were so lucky 
 as to keep Company except Two Nights in the worst of the Gale 
 of Wind which happened to be easterly. 
 
 On Thursday afternoon the 29th of May we fell in with a small 
 Brigg from London for New York which we took, and Man'd that 
 Evening, they acquainted us that they came out under Convoy of 
 the Somersett ^ and Mercury " with 16 Sail of Transports having 
 on board about 3500 Troops, for Reinforcing the British Army 
 at New York. 
 
 At break of day the 30th we discover'd the Somersett and three 
 large Ships under her Convoy. Capt: Manley was not convinced 
 of the size of our Opponent untill she was within Shott of him, 
 when very Luckily for him the Hancocks Heels saved his Bacon. 
 She nevertheless pursued him with great earnestness untill I tack'd 
 upon her Convoy who was a good way a stern of her at that time, 
 as soon as she saw me within random Shot of them, she left Capt: 
 Manley and return'd to their protection. She then chac'd me about 
 
 ^ Letter Book. 2 British 64-gun ship. 3 British frigate. 
 
57 
 
 six hours but not being able to come up with me she rejoin'd her 
 Convoy just as night came on. 
 
 Capt: Manley and myself then Steer'd to the Eastward and 
 Northward in hopes of falling in with some others of the fleet, but 
 saw no Enemy except a few miserable Fishermen untill Saturday 
 June the Seventh, on the Morning of which day we fell in with the 
 Fox a British Frigate of 28 Guns Commanded by Capt: Patrick 
 Fotheringham. She at first meant to Engage but thought 'twas 
 best to try her Heels, which would have effectually saved her from 
 me, but the Hancock coming up with her an Action ensued which 
 did not end untill after we came up by which time the Hancock 
 and the Fox were both very much damaged. The weather proving 
 unfavourable for some time afterwards we were several days fitting 
 the Fox and Capt. Manley his own Ship. I had sent my first Lieut't 
 (Mr. Browne) on board the Fox the day she was taken but Captain 
 Manley refused giving him the Command, and I was finally oblig'd 
 to withdraw him for the sake of peace. I urged Capt: Manley 
 to make the best of our way to Charlestown, South Carolina, there 
 to join Capt: Biddle, fitt and Clean our Ships and then to Cruise 
 for the West India Fleet untill towards the fall of the year by 
 which time our own Coast would probably be clear and we might 
 return without any risque compared with what must be now ex- 
 pected. He at first attended to my proposal but afterwards did as 
 he pleas'd. The event will prove whither I judged right or not. 
 In short we loiter'd away three weeks or a month before we sett 
 our faces homeward by which time the Coast of New England from 
 Cape Sable as far as New York was so cover'd with cruisers that 
 there was no escaping them. 
 
 On Sunday the 6th of July being 15 leagues to the Eastward of 
 Cape Sable we took a Sloop from Louisburgh bound for Halifax, 
 but delaying some time with her we were chac'd towards evening 
 by three Ships (we also being three). We did not make any efforts 
 to avoid those Ships in Course of the night, on the Contrary Capt: 
 Manley Tow'd the Sloop before spoken of untill next Morning, by 
 which time one of the Ships ^ was a head of us and tack'd upon 
 us. The Second Ship ^ which was a two decker was on our Lee 
 Quarter about three Leagues from us, and the third Ship ^ about 
 as far right a stern. Capt: Manley then thought proper to sett 
 fire to the Sloop and quitted her and endeavour'd to make the 
 best of our way, but the first Ship being up within Shott about 
 noon we exchanged some Shott with her at a distance and then 
 having spoke Capt: Manley we agreed to Tack and Engage her. 
 
 1 British frigate Flora. ^ British 44-gun ship Rainbow. 
 
 ' British brig Victor. 
 
58 
 
 We immediately Tack'd and Capt: Manley begun the Action 
 with his head to the Northward and the Enemy on the opposite 
 Tack, we being close under the Hancocks Stern also fell in with 
 the Enemy in our turn and exchanged about five broad Sides 
 with her. 
 
 Her Shott was so well aim'd that some of them pass'd through 
 our Ship under the wale so that we could not Tack upon the Enemy 
 untill we had stop'd those Holes. This was however done in a 
 few minutes, but not before the two deck Ship had goten very near 
 us. Unfortunately the Fox did not Tack at the same time we 
 did, by which means the Enemy got between her and us, and she 
 was oblig'd to pass under the fire of the first Ship above mention'd 
 and the Fire of the two deck Ship also. Capt: Manley seeing that 
 the Fox was beyond saving put about and stood to the Southward. 
 The Fox bore away and run to the Eastward and we kept the Wind 
 to the Northw'd. The two deck Ship then put about and follow'd 
 the Hancock, leaving the Fox and me to the other two Ships. The 
 Fox fled and defended herself bravely having also some advantage 
 in point of Sailing. We were constrain'd to keep the Wind for 
 our own Security being neither able to Run from nor fight such 
 force as then appear'd to Leward. In a few hours we saw two 
 more of the Enemy about two points on our weather bow — from 
 these we were obliged to Tack to the Southward, the wind about 
 WBS. After standing two hours to the Southw'd we espied another 
 Ship bearing SW of us who appear'd to be in Chace towards us. 
 I then hove about to the Northw'd again and stood on untill Nine 
 oClock the Evening, the Chace coming down upon us very fast 
 all the time, as soon as the Moon was down I tack'd and stood to 
 the Southw'd and in less than an hour saw the Lights of the Chac- 
 ing Ship standing athwart our Stern about | of a Mile from us. 
 On Tuesday Morning the 8th Current I saw five Sail of the Enemy 
 to the Leward of me three on the Lee bow and two on the Lee 
 Quarter, at the same time saw Cape Sable bearing NNE five 
 leagues. The wind coming to the Southward I stood across the 
 Bay of Funday detirmin'd to Shelter my self in the first port I 
 could make, and get intelligence, which happen'd to be this river 
 where I arriv'd on Thursday the loth Instant. On my arrival here 
 I found that the Milford Frigate ^ had been in about fourteen days 
 past and that she had penetrated up as far as we now are. Namely 
 at Wichcassett point. There is scarce a day but one or two of the 
 Enemys ships are seen off the Mouth of this river and the Coasting 
 Vessells are very much distress'd. In this my present Situation 
 I am much at a loss what to do — my Ships Company are so de- 
 
 1 British. 
 
59 
 
 minished by Manning the Fox and the Men otherwise lost since 
 we Saild from Boston, my Ship is very Fowl (not having been 
 clean'd since Novem'r last) and besides that we cannot make 
 her Sail fast, trim which way we will, the certainty of Meeting the 
 Enemy in pairs along the Coast and only two ports capable of 
 yielding us Shelter between this place and Boston Bay — all those 
 Circumstances Considered, I think it prudent to stay for a few 
 days to get some more Authentick information of the Numbers and 
 strength of the Enemy in this Quarter, for according to the present 
 accounts I think it is impossible for Single Ships to pass or repass, 
 without being Sacrifised to their numerous fleet. We have certain 
 accounts of twelve Sail of the Enemys Cruisers between Cape Ann 
 and Cape Sable, sevrall of whom are large Ships. Our best ac- 
 counts report two between this river and Casco Bay which is but 
 10 Leagues apart so that they are posted along shore at conven- 
 ient distances to succour each other; I send you a return of the 
 prisoners which I have brought here belonging to the Fox but for 
 fear of Accidents have deliver'd them into the hands of the Com- 
 mittee of Safety to be forwarded towards Boston. Thither I shall 
 repair as soon as possible from which place I promise my self the 
 pleasure of Writing you more fully. I am Gentlemen with all 
 possible respect, Your most humble Servant. 
 
 Ship Boston at Wichcassett 
 
 in Sheepgut River i6th July 1777. 
 
 To THE Council of Massachusetts^ 
 To the Honourable the Council of the Massachusetts State. 
 
 Gentlemen 
 
 On my Arival at this place I did apply to the Committe for 
 a guard to conduct Sixteen prisoners (Late of the Fox Frigate) to 
 Boston. They set out from hence last Thursday, but I am per- 
 suaded this will be with you before them. 
 
 As I have three Lieutenants and fifty-three Men on board the 
 Fox, who I fear is taken to Halifax, I beg as a particular favour 
 that the Officers of the Fox may not be disposed of otherwise then 
 to redeem mine. I think we have the first right and shall expect 
 that they be kept safe untill my Arrival. Notwithstanding the 
 expence of sending them so far by Land, I am perswaded my rea- 
 
 1 Letter Book. 
 
6o 
 
 sons for setting them on shore will be Satisfactory. 
 Obed't Serv't 
 
 Ship Boston at Wichcassett 
 July 2ist 1777. 
 
 Mr. John Perry, ist Lieutenant. 
 Mr. Will'm Budworth, 2d do. 
 Mr. Peter Burn, Master. 
 
 Your Most 
 
 Mr. James Malcolm '\ 
 
 Mr. John Fitzgerald V Midshipnien. 
 
 Mr. George Paris Monk ) 
 
 Mr. James Harrison, Captain's Gierke. 
 
 William Jennings 
 William Gheeseman 
 James Lamb 
 William Sackveill 
 Barth'w George 
 William Tubes 
 James Royall 
 Thomas Paine 
 Joseph Lyons 
 
 > Seamen. 
 
 The above is a List of the Prisoners dispatch'd from Wichcassett, 
 July 17th, 1777. 
 
 To Thomas Thompson ^ 
 
 Capt: Thompson, 
 
 I have this moment receiv'd your welcome Letter of the 19th 
 Inst: On my arrival here I would have wrote you a Narative of 
 our proceedings this last Cruise, but for want of an opportunity 
 which could be trusted I refrain'd writing. 
 
 On Friday last I had some thoughts of stoping one who call'd 
 himself Harris, he was in a Whale Boat which he said he had hired 
 of a Butcher at Portsmo: by this Harris I wrote a Letter to you, 
 thereby intending to deceive him in case he had been what I sus- 
 pected, a Spy. Should you receive that Letter burn it, for I had 
 no other Motive in writing it then those already mention'd. 
 
 To return now to Business I will tell you that I have spent a 
 most painfull two Months on this Cruise. The General opinion 
 which had prevail'd, that I was dissatisfied with being under Man- 
 ley's Command, made me sett up a resolution to obey implicitly 
 every one of his Commands, (as for Signals, I never could get any 
 from him) to the utmost of my power. I did however endeavour 
 to advise him now and then when in a good mood, and he often 
 appear'd to attend to what I said; but the unstableness of his 
 Temper led him rather to do as he pleas'd. Nevertheless I foUow'd 
 him as the Jackall does the Lyon, without Grumbling except in my 
 Gizard. 
 
 1 Letter Book. Captain Thompson's ship, the Raleigh, was fitting out at 
 Portsmouth. 
 
6i 
 
 On Thursday 29th May we took a small Brigg from London 
 Bound for New York, by this Brigg we found she was part of a 
 Convoy which came out with the Somersett and Mercury. The next 
 day, at day dawn we made four large Ships, the leading Ship I 
 was well assured was the Somersett. I made the Signal to Speak 
 with Manley that I might perswade him not to run directly into 
 their Tract a head of them, they being to windward, in which 
 possition 'twould be very hard to discover their Force before they 
 were very near us. No notice however was taken of my Signal. 
 I then made Sail to overtake him which I did and told him that 
 I was perswaded the headmost Ship was the Somersett. Our Prize 
 was still in Company and sail'd dull, so that we fear'd we should 
 loose her. Capt. Manley then told me to Stand to the Southward, 
 the Wind being at ENE, the Prize and myself stood to the South- 
 ward and Manley Lay with his Courses up and small Sails handed 
 untill the Somersett came within the reach of Grape Shott. Being 
 then convinced of his Mistake he made all the Sail he could, but 
 so Slowly did he get out of her way, That her Shott flew over him 
 for an hour, by which Time I Tack'd to the Northw'd upon the 
 Three Ships a Stern of her, and when I came within long Shott 
 of them, the Somersett left chasing Manley and return'd to her 
 Convoy; having Spoke with them, she wore and Chac'd me Six or 
 Seven hours. At first she seem'd to Gain, but having alter'd the 
 Trim of our Ship we then gain'd on her, A little before Night she 
 return'd to her Convoy. 
 
 Manley had run so far to the Southw'd that we were not able 
 to see him till Sunsett and did not fall in with him untill the 
 next day. We then stood to the Northw'd and Eastward in hopes 
 to fall in with some of the Scatter'd Ships of the aforesaid convoy, 
 but the weather was so bad for ten or twelve days that we see 
 nothing untill we got on the Bank. On Friday June the 6th we 
 took a Brigg belonging to Dartmouth; her Capt: Manley order'd 
 to be burnt for Country Sake. The next morning we fell in with 
 the Fox about 7 Oclock forenoon. Captain Manley being a head 
 exchanged two broadsides. She then made Sail and endeavour 'd 
 to gett off. She sail'd so fast that twas half after noon before 
 Manley got along side of her, when a Spitefull Short Action Ensued 
 for 45 Minutes before we came up. We did not fire untill within 
 Pistol Shott and they struck the first broadside, but by some Mis- 
 take of their Marines or Topmen, they again Fired into our Ship 
 after I had spoke to one of the Officers and desired him to throw 
 a burning wadd overbboard which had Lodged in the Miz'n Chains, 
 there was no withholding our People and they return'd a few Shott 
 
62 
 
 before I could stop them. As the Hancock and Fox had Engag'd 
 with all their small kites out, they were both in the most helpless 
 condition at the end of the Action. The Fox had pegg'd Mr. 
 Manley's ribbs so well that he had his pumps going, and both 
 Ships were by the Lee, — with every Sail abroad. 
 
 I sent my first and 2 Lieutenant on board the Fox, order'd the 
 first to Stay and the 2d to take the Captain of the Fox on board 
 Capt: Manley as a Compliment to my Senior Officer. This was 
 immediately done and the rest of the Officers with about 96 of the 
 Men were brought on board me, a dozen of Fishermen came down 
 to see the Sport as I had hoisted British Colours immediately after 
 the Action ceas'd. Towards evening Capt: Manley came along side 
 and order'd me to put all the common Men on board one of those 
 fishing Vessells and Let them go about their Business. I en- 
 deavour'd to perswade him to come on board that I might tell 
 him my thoughts on that Step. He said he could not enter on 
 Acco't of Lameness but order'd me once more to sett about em- 
 barking them before Night. I accordingly put 85 of the Fox's 
 Men on board one of the Fishing Vessells by Sunsett, the Sea and 
 Wind rising after Night prevented puting any more on board and 
 it coming bad weather before Morning they left us and made the 
 best of their way for St. Johns. I immediately foresee the Conse- 
 quence and the next day wrote to Capt: Manley praying him to 
 make the best of our way to the Southw'd and proceed with all 
 possible dispatch for South Carolina, — there 'twas probable we 
 might not be watch'd by a Superior Force, but so sure as we 
 offer'd to return home we were sure to be way laid by Ships from 
 York and Rhode Island, who would be sent out as soon as the 
 Somersett arrived, and were sure to be pursued by the Newfound- 
 land and Halifax Ships. Capt: Manley at first acquiess'd, but in 
 a few days alter'd his Mind and his Course, upon the whole we 
 spent three weeks before we Sett our faces to the Westward, in all 
 which time we saw Nothing but Spaniards and French Men, who 
 run us to the Eastward a great way from the place we had first 
 met with the Fox. 
 
 We at last sett out for home, and keeping well to the North- 
 ward we made the High Land of Portmuttoon [Port Matoun]. 
 On Sunday Morning the 6th Instant about 8 o Clock A.M. Capt: 
 Manley brought too an old Sloop, Coal Loaded from Cape Britain. 
 We Lost severall hours dallying with the Sloop untill the Morning 
 breeze which was at N was Spent. He then took her in Tow and 
 stood to the Southw'd and Westward. About 4 o'Clock that after- 
 noon we Saw three Sail astern of us who appear'd to be in chace of 
 
63 
 
 us. Far from taking notice of the Signal made by the Fox who was 
 then astern, Capt: Manley Tow'd the Sloop all Night and we to 
 keep astern had our Miz'n Topsail to the Mast half the Night. 
 When day come on we see the headmost Ship^ forward of our 
 Lee Catthead, the Second Ship ^ (a two decker) on our Lee Quarter 
 and the third Ship ^ right a stern. 
 
 The headmost Ship, Tack'd upon us and pass'd under our Lee 
 within Gun Shott, at 8 o Clock, as soon as she had our weak, She 
 Tack'd after us, we being the Sternmost Ship Exchanged some Shott 
 with her; about noon I got within hail of Capt: Manley, and he 
 proposed Tack'g to Engage this Ship before the others came up. 
 We did so immediately and both Exchanged a few broad Sides 
 with her as she pass'd. The Fox did not Tack with us which 
 Exposed her to this Ships Fire. She then attempted to Tack 
 but Missing Stays was Obliged to wear which brought her under 
 the Lee of the first Ship and just to Windward of the two decker. 
 We then had all our heads to the Northw'd, the Wind at WBS. 
 Manley being the Weathermost Ship he Tack'd and stood to the 
 Southward. The Large Ship Tack'd after him. The Fox bore 
 away and Run to the Eastward and I kept the Wind to the North- 
 w'd. At 4 P M we discover'd two Square lofty Vessells to the 
 Northw'd of us standing our way. We then put about and stood 
 to the Southward for one or two hours, when we made another 
 right to Windward coming down with all the Sail she could make. 
 From this one we also Tack'd and stood on to the Northw'd untill 
 the Moon was down. We then hove about to the Southw'd and in 
 less than an hour saw her lights crossing our Weak right astern 
 about I of a Mile. Next Morning we had five Sail and the Land 
 of Cape Sable in Sight; the Wind coming to the Southw'd we 
 hauled across the Bay of Funday and thick weather coming on 
 that Night and next day, we see no more of them Except one at 
 2AM Wednesday Morning. We were within hail of her before we 
 discover'd her, but She being on one Tack and we on the other we 
 Saw her Top light time enough to avoid her. We heard a Signal 
 Gun of hers about two hours before. 
 
 Now to come to our own Affairs, the State of my Ship is nearly 
 as follows, Sixty Men short of what I brought out, the Scurvy 
 taking every day, my Vessells Bottom very fowl. 
 
 I intend to take the first good opportunity of running along 
 shore as far as Casco Bay, or if the weather be favourable, as far 
 as Portsmouth where I will certainly put in if I can. We have seen 
 none of the Enemys Ships from the Mouth of this river this five 
 
 ^ Flora. 2 Rainbow. ^ Victor. 
 
64 
 
 days but as long as the wind Continues Southerly I cannot pre- 
 tend to get out. If Capt: Hinman^ and you are able to join 
 Company at Portsmouth and there be a Continuation of South'y 
 Winds, should you stretch down as far as Casco, you may find me 
 there. Should I be chaced by a Superior Force any where near 
 Portsmouth I will come as near you as I can, in which case should 
 the Wind be fowl for me to fetch in, perhaps you may be able to 
 come out to my Assistance. 
 
 As to your Cruising Singly, or even with two of our Ships, there 
 is a great risque — the Enemys Cruisers are so numerous, and most 
 of them Stout Ships so that light Ships stand little or no chance. 
 May God bless and prosper you is the Prayer of your Friend and 
 Obedient Servant, 
 
 H. McM. 
 
 P.S. I shall attend to the Continental Signals sent to Capt: 
 Hinman from Philadelphia in case of our Meeting. 
 
 Wichcassett 21st July 1777. 
 
 My Compliments to Mrs. Thompson. 
 
 To His Wife 2 
 
 Dear Mary: — I wrote you soon as I arived here, but know not 
 whither you have received it. I sent by way of Salem. This will 
 acquaint you with my health. I intend to see you as soon as possi- 
 ble. 
 
 I have sent 16 prisoners by Land to Boston, seven of whom were 
 officers of The Frigate Fox. 
 
 I have wrote the Council that those Gentlemen may be detained 
 until my Arivall That with them I may redeem my Own officers, 
 who I fear are taken and carried to Halifax. You must tell My 
 Friend William, That he must make a point of obtaining one of 
 them to redeem his Son Robert who with Mr. Gross, Mr. Harris, 
 Mr. Knowles and Mr. Millen together with 53 men I put on board 
 that Ship to help man her. My Love and Blessing remain with you 
 and the Children. Your Husband, 
 
 Hector McNeill. 
 
 The Doctor sends his Compliments. 
 
 Ship Boston 21st July at Wichassett. 
 
 Addressed: Capt. Hector McNeill, Milk Street, Boston, fav- 
 [ore]d by Mr. Ward. Falmouth, July 23. 
 
 ^ Commanding the Continental ship Alfred. 
 2 From the Gray Papers. 
 
65 
 
 To THE Committee of Falmouth ^ 
 
 Ship Boston 25th July 1777. 
 
 Gentlemen: I am inform'd that two of the Prisoners late be- 
 longing to the Fox which I forwarded here by Land from Wich- 
 cassett last week have been Negligently left behind in this place. 
 
 I cannot help Expressing my astonishment on this Occasion at 
 the conduct of those Gentlemen who had the care of the Prisoners. 
 
 Were our poor Countrymen who unfortunately fall into the hands 
 of the Enemy no better guarded or let run at loose in this manner 
 we might entertain some hopes of their being able to find their 
 way once more to their own home, but alas the contrary is too 
 well known. Many of them have been constrain'd to take arms 
 against their Country, all who refuse so to do have been close 
 confin'd and treated with such cruelty as would Shock the heart of 
 a Barbarian untill they can be redeem'd by Exchange, suffer they 
 must. Is it not then great cruelty in us to Neglect redeeming our 
 own people knowing full well what hard measure they have while 
 in the hands of the foe, what mistaken pitty that is which only ex- 
 tends to our Enemys when they fall into our hands, and neglects 
 our own people who meet such cruel Treatment among them. 
 This is but poor encouragement for Men to enter into the Service 
 of their Country, who tho they may take and convey home Prison- 
 ers enough to redeem themselves in case of their being taken, yet 
 have only this Melancholy reflection for their Comfort, Namely 
 That their indolent, faithless Countrymen, suffer such to Slip 
 through their fingers, while they poor Souls are sure to perish in 
 a Prison unless they be redeem'd. 
 
 I therefore call on you Gentlemen as the Active guardians of 
 your Country and your brethren in Captivity, requesting that you 
 would cause those Prisoners to be apprehended and deliver'd again 
 into my Care, or sent under a proper Guard to Boston. I am 
 Gentlemen Your most Obed't Servant 
 
 H. McN. 
 
 To the Gentlemen of the Committe of Safety for the Town of 
 Falmouth. 
 
 1 Letter Book. 
 
66 
 
 To THE Marine Committee ^ 
 
 Falmouth Casco Bay 4th Aug't 1777 
 Gentlemen, 
 
 Above you have copy of my last Letter dated at Wichcasset i6th 
 ulto., since which I arrived with the Boston at this place, but when 
 I shall reach Boston, or even Portsmouth, is uncertain. 
 
 The Enemy keep such a look out and are so Numerous that 'tis 
 no easy matter to Slip throw among them. 
 
 Three Nights agone we had four Sail of their Frigates off this 
 Harbours mouth in full sight, and by the letter now in my hand 
 from the committee of Safety at Newb'y Port, it appears that 
 four Ships and a Brigg are Stationed in Ipswich Bay, besides those 
 Stationed in Boston Bay. 
 
 Thick weather for a day or two has hid them from us, but in 
 clear weather they are allway near in with the Land. 
 
 They seem now to be posted in three divisions, within the dis- 
 tance of forty leagues Coastwise, one division off Cape Elizabeth 
 and a Little to the east'd of it, the Second off Portsmouth tending 
 South'ly towards Cape Ann, the Third division between Cape Ann 
 and Cape Cod. 
 
 Notwithstanding all this I hope by the Blessing of God upon 
 our care and good conduct to Save the Boston for a More fortunate 
 cruise then has been our last. 
 
 There are so many different reports circulated concerning Capt. 
 Manley, That I know not what to write at this time, I am still 
 in hopes, that he has Escaped the Enemy and gone to South 
 Carolina. Happy had it been for himself and all concerned, if 
 he had taken so much of my advice the day after we took the Fox, 
 but alas his Obstanicey and want of refflection at that period, 
 will for ever furnish him with matter for repentance. 
 
 When I endeavourd to persuade him to go to South Carolina, 
 my reasonings were grounded on the following circumstances — 
 
 In the first place, the Enemy were well Acquainted with the 
 time of our Sailing from Boston and with the length of our in- 
 tended Cruise (the latter might be known by the quantity of 
 provisions taken in) which was only for Six or Eight weeks. 
 
 2dly. Our falling in with the Sumersett in the Tract for New 
 York on the ninth day after we sail'd This Ship's arivall at that 
 place would be the means of heastning out crusiers after us, either 
 from York or Rhode Island. 
 
 3dly. The Exceeding bad pollicy he had been guilty of in turn- 
 
 1 Letter Book. 
 
67 
 
 ing away upw'ds of one hundred men lately belonging to the Fox 
 within Six hours after She was taken. Those men were put on 
 board some fishing Vesselis, and made the best of their way for 
 St. Johns Harbour which was then within 24 hours Sail'g of us. 
 At the Harbour of St. Johns Lay Admiral Montague with the 
 Romney and some other Ships of war, and to me it appeared 
 probable that he would use his Endeavours to recover the Fox, 
 by sending out as many Ships in quest of us as he could muster. 
 Those Ships of his might be joined by Others from Halifax, so 
 that with the help of the Ships already spoken of from N. York 
 and Rhode Island, a chain of cruisers might be form'd between 
 Cape Sable, and Nantucket Shoals, which 'twould be difficult to 
 pass. 
 
 After considering all these things I was totally Against return- 
 ing home by the way we went out. Therefore I earnestly requested 
 that we might immediately make the best of our way for South 
 Carolina, there refitt and clean our Ships, and if Capt. Biddle 
 could be ready to come out with us so much the better. With 
 four Ships like ours, we might do much Service to our Country 
 and ourselves. 
 
 Capt. Manley Expressed much willingness to follow this plan 
 at first, when I made him Acquainted with it by my Letter of the 
 ninth of June last, but in a day or two he changed his mind, and 
 his course, and notwithstanding all the remonstrances I could make 
 he continued cruising three weeks or upwards to no purpose. Except 
 that of going farther from home — thereby giveing the Enemy 
 more time to take the proper steps for intercepting us, on our 
 return. 
 
 Part of the Consequences (namely the Loss of the Fox) you are 
 but too well acquainted with by this time. What Capt. Manleys 
 fate or mine will be, is not altogether yet decided. May God 
 strengthen the Hands of the Congress and save our Country by 
 his Mighty Power, joined with their honest Endeavours, for Sure 
 I am that they have but indifferent prospects from the abillity of 
 many of us Employ'd under them. 
 
 I am Gentlemen with Sincereley your Most Obed't Servant 
 
 Hector McNeill. 
 
 To the Plon'ble the Marine Committee 
 of Congress at Philadelphia. 
 
68 
 
 To John Langdon * 
 
 Falmouth sth Aug't 1777 
 Sir, 
 
 I did my self the pleasure of writing you soon after I arived at 
 Sheepscott river, praying the favour of you to forward my Letter 
 to the Marine committee which I had left open for your particular 
 Satisfaction. At that time I was in hopes of Seeing you long 
 before this but the precarious State of a Single Ship in these 
 times, and the want of a good Oppertunity has keept me at so 
 great a distance. We have some Vessells in here now who have 
 been drove in by three or four Large Ships who seem to be Sta- 
 tion'd about the mouth of this Bay; three evenings agone we see 
 them from the forts. When I shall be able to Slip by them I 
 know not. Now My good Sir as my provisions are Nearly out and 
 there appears no prospect of a Supply in or near this place, This is 
 to request the favour of you to Save us from perishing for want 
 of Provisions or being obliged to run a certain risque of Loosing 
 the Ship rather then to Starve here. The Chance of getting any 
 thing of provision kind from Boston at present must be much more 
 uncertain then from Portsmouth. I pray you therefore that you 
 would Send me down, three weeks Bread and flesh, which with the 
 Little I have left will I hope be Sufficient to bring us to Portsmouth. 
 Let it be sent in some small Vessell with some Faithful person 
 and a good pilot so that she may run into aney hole for Safety. 
 
 I am Sir with great respect your Most Obed't Serv't 
 
 Hector McNeill. 
 To John Langdon, Esq'r 
 Continental Agent at Portsmouth. 
 
 To John Browne ^ 
 Sir 
 
 Inclosed you have an open Arrest for Capt: Richard Palmes,^ 
 you will please to take a Copy of it and keep it by you untill a 
 future day, the Original which I have Sign'd, you will be pleas'd 
 to put into his hands as soon as possible. 
 
 Yours Hector McNeill 
 
 Commander of the Boston Ship of War. 
 
 Sunday 6 o Clock afternoon 
 loth day of August at Sea. 
 
 To Lieut. Jno. Brov^^ne of the said Ship. 
 
 1 Letter Book. ^ Captain of marines. 
 
69 
 
 To Richard Palmes^ 
 Sir 
 
 Your unofficer like behaviour and repeated breach of my Orders, 
 obliges me to confine you to your birth untill it may be in my 
 power to bring you to a Court Martial, where I hope you will have 
 justice done. At your Perril break your Arrest, in which case 
 I shall treat you as you deserve. Yours 
 
 Hector McNeill. 
 Ship Boston at Sea this loth day of 
 August 1777, 6 Clock afternoon. 
 
 SlR^ 
 
 You may thank your own folly and impertinence for what has 
 now befallen you. I dispise your insinuations of Cruelty, as 
 indeed I do Every thing Else you can say of me consistent with 
 truth. You may go to the house of Office as offten as Nature 
 calls, provided you return immediately to your berth and keep 
 your Tounge Still as you pass and repass. This you will attend 
 to at your Perril. 
 
 Hector McNeill. 
 Monday 11 Clock Aug't nth 1777. 
 
 To Capt. Palmes. 
 
 Dr. Mr. John Billard in a/c with Hector McNeill Esq'r.^ Cr. 
 
 May 20 To i Bed 1.4 
 
 June 9 To 3 Shirts 24/ 3.12 
 
 To 2 pair Worst'd Hose 
 
 12/ I. 4 
 
 22d To Cash 11 
 
 Aug'st 14 To Ball'ce due J Bill- 
 ard 4. 4 
 
 £10.16 
 
 14 To Cash p'd more 
 than the above 
 Ballance 
 
 o By his Wages from 
 
 - 14th May 1777 to 
 14th August 1777 is 3 
 
 - Months @ 12 Dollars 
 3 per Month . .£10.16.- 
 
 Ship Boston August 
 14th 1777. 
 5. 3 Errors Excepted. 
 
 £11. I. 3 
 1 Letter Book. 
 
70 
 
 To THE Marine Committee ^ 
 
 Boston Aug't 2Sth 1777 
 To the Hon'ble Marine Committee at Philadelphia. 
 Gentlemen 
 
 My last of the 4th instant from Falmouth as also copy of my 
 former Letter from Sheepscott river dated the i6th ulto. I hope 
 you have received before now. 
 
 This comes to Acquaint you with my Arival at Boston on Satur- 
 day last, haveing Stop'd a few days at Portsmouth on my way 
 from Falmouth, it will also inform you of the State the Ship is in 
 at present, and my thoughts of what is Necessary to be done 
 to Equip her for the Sea. 
 
 As it is my duty to Acquaint you with the property, and Trim 
 of the Ship I command so I hope you will have patience with m.e 
 untill I tell you all that I have been Able to Observe concerning 
 either. 
 
 In the first place I think something ought to be done in the 
 Standing of her masts, to try if it may not have a good Effect on 
 her Sailing; her bottom is allow'd to be as fine as any thing of 
 the kind will admitt of. We have alter'd her Trim frequently 
 and find great difference in her going, but yet we never have been 
 able to make her go as fast as some other Ships we have fallen in 
 with. One great hope I have that she is cappable of Sailing fast 
 is That She is the most Ticklish Ship to keep in trim that ever 
 I was acquainted with, for I have repeatedly found that the 
 unequal Expence of one days Provisions and water would put 
 her out of Trim. From this circumstance I am Persuaded that 
 She will One day Sail fast if her Trim can be discover'd. One 
 great disadvantage we have had in Triming her, is that we had 
 little or none pigg Ballast wherewith to make the Experiment, 
 consequently when we have been Obliged to alter, the men and 
 Guns was our only resource, both of which bring great inconven- 
 iencys, the one being as defecult to keep Still in the place you 
 want them, as the other is to transport fore and aft. 
 
 2dly. Such a quantity of Gravel Ballast as we are Obliged to 
 cary to Stiffen the Ship, takes up a great deal of our room (of 
 which there is but too Little at best) then being mixd in with 
 the water Casks fore and aft, it composes such a dead Mass that 
 a Ship thus ballast [ed] feels her self no more then an Island, 
 and as it Layes so much higher then Pigg Ballast the weight 
 deepens a Ship more then it Stiffens her for carying Sail, con- 
 
 1 Letter Book. 
 
71 
 
 sequently when her body is in the water Hke a Loaded Vessell, 
 'tis not possible for her to Sail so fast. This I have frequently 
 found by our Ship, her being commonly so deep That when ever 
 we have press'd her with Sail She has gone less Swift then before. 
 
 To go best close haul'd she ought to be on an even keel That 
 is 14 feet 3 inches forw'r and aft. To go Large, or afore the 
 wind. She must be 10 or 12 inches deeper aft then forward, and 
 there is not a good property a Ship can have (Except room within, 
 and Speed of foot) but this Ship may boast of. When brought 
 to her courses upon a wind She proved a much more weatherly 
 Ship then the Hancock, but in fine weather the Hancock bore the 
 bill. 
 
 She has been now Nine Months off the Ground, Six of which 
 pass'd before we saild from Nantasket. How can it be Expected 
 that the finest bottoms will sail foul equal to clean Ships. For 
 the future then let me intreate you Gentlemen to Order Matters 
 so that your Ships may have an equall chance with those they 
 are Obliged to face. Dont suffer them to go out foul nor Cruize 
 long in any particular Station Especially in this our State of 
 infancy when we neither know what our Ships can do nor have 
 expert men to mannage them. 
 
 When the Marine Board meets here, I shall consult them con- 
 cerning many things Necessary with which I would not take up 
 your time at present. Shall now proceed to mention some things 
 which respect my self more particularly. 
 
 In my former Letters I gave you the Outlines of our Late 
 Cruize, without entering into a circumstantial Account, or giveing 
 my Opinion of men and things, with that freedom I now propose 
 to indulge my self in this. 
 
 I take the Liberty to assure you. That when I entered into the 
 Continental Service I had not one Single thought whither I should 
 be placed the third or the Thirteenth upon the List, my ambition 
 was fully satisfied when I was favoured with a Commission place- 
 ing me where I now am, and Altho I did then forsee that one 
 day or other I might possibly fall under the Command of one 
 man, whose Ability I had reason to doubt, yet I was determined 
 that happen whensoever it might I would Obey and follow his 
 instructions with all that Zeal which becomes a faithful Servant to 
 the Publick, who will never neglect or loose Sight of his duty for 
 any private veiw whatever. 
 
 With these Sentiments I enter'd into the Service and have 
 constantly made them my practice ever since. My conduct on our 
 late cruize under the Command of Capt. Manley will Abundantly 
 
72 
 
 prove the truth of what I here advance, for never did a Pilotfish 
 follow a Sharke, or a Jackall follow a Lion, with more Assiduity 
 and Complisance then I follow'd him at Sea for Six or Seven 
 weeks (chiefly in bad weather Latitudes), and that without any 
 regular System of Signals, or instructions for my direction dure- 
 ing which time he led me into severall Scrapes by his misconduct, 
 and at last left me in one to shift for my self. 
 
 I hold it criminal to asperse the character of any man, much 
 more the Absent, and in some cases Scarcely Justifiable to Speak 
 all the Truth, for which reasons were I not under a Necessity I 
 should now say very little of Capt. Manley, but inasmuch as I 
 find my self involved in a chain of difficultys by his blunders and 
 misconduct, I must in justice to my self say, That he is totally 
 unequal to the Command with which he has been intrusted, he 
 being ignorant, Obstinate, Overbearing and Tyranical beyound 
 discription, a man under whose command none can live with 
 pleasure but such creatures as himself, and those also must be 
 of his own makeing. Such is that Fellow of yesterday, Mr. 
 Stephen Hill, whom he promoted over all Other Officers' heads to 
 Command the Fox, who by his ignorance and Misconduct lost 
 her at last, for had he Tack'd when Capt. Manley and my self 
 Tack'd on the Enemy he might have weather'd them whilst we 
 were engaged with the Flora, or had he keept the wind with me 
 even after Manley left us, and Tack'd to the South'd from us, 
 he might have Escaped, but to bear away, and run to Leward 
 with all the Sail he could crou'd when a Third Ship of the Enemy 
 was then in Sight to Lewward discovered the most Stupid igno- 
 rance in Nature. 
 
 All these things will Abundantly appear when ever a court 
 martial happens, which God Grant may be soon. 
 
 I have been curst with another composition of the Fool and 
 Knave, I mean a certain Mr. Palmes who had a Commission as 
 Capt. of Marines on board the Boston, which Commission he has 
 distroy'd by casting it into the fire. His disobedience to orders 
 and frothy foolish conduct Obliged me to lay him under an arrest, 
 but as there is no means here of bringing him to a Court martial 
 I shall leave it to you how to deal with him. In the mean time 
 I shall take Notice of him another way. 
 
 I am Gentlemen with great respect your most Obed't Servant, 
 
 Hector McNeill. 
 
 To the Honourable the Marine Committee 
 of the Hon'ble the Continental Congress, 
 at Philadelphia. 
 
73 
 
 To THE Navy Board, Eastern District ^ 
 Gentlemen 
 
 Your favour of the 2nd I receiv'd yesterday evening to which 
 I shall pay Strict attention. 
 
 Herewith I lay before you Copys of my different Letters since 
 my return from a Cruise to The Hon'ble The Marine Committe 
 at Philadelphia in the 3rd and last of which you will find the State 
 and properties of the Ship Boston under my command, a Return 
 of her Officers and Men I will furnish you with very Soon. 
 
 An Indent also for such things as are absolutely Necessary, shall 
 be laid before you as soon as I can examine the remaining Stores. 
 
 Her Dimentions and Burthen I never have been able to come 
 at my self from either Agents, Builders, or Mastmakers, neverthe- 
 less I will make it my Business to Measure the Ship whenever 
 an opportunity offers. 
 
 The Ship Boston mounts 
 
 Cannon Swivels 
 
 5 of 12 Pounders] 
 
 19 of 9 do. I 
 
 2 of 6 do. I ^^ 
 
 4 of 4 do. J 
 
 There are a great number whose times with the Ship are Ex- 
 pired, those Men expect their Wages and discharge incessantly, 
 where am I to find Money to pay them. 
 
 What Encouragement is to be given Men who may have an In- 
 clination to enter for the Ship and how Long time are they to be 
 Engaged for. 
 
 What provision is to be made for the Familys of the Men we 
 have Lost in the Fox. 
 
 How are the relatives of the few Slain to apply for their 
 Bountys. 
 
 What Stoppages are there to be allow'd on the Men for 
 Venerials, for Barber and for Chaplains. 
 
 What provision is there to be made for the Officers who live 
 on board the Ship, as to their eatting and drinking. 
 
 These are questions which I hope you will be kind Enough to 
 Answer Speedily as the impatience of the Multitude requires an 
 immediate application. 
 
 1 Letter Book. 
 
74 
 
 As to the time t'will take to refitt the Ship for a Cruise, was 
 it possible to know when she would be Man'd, I might easily tell 
 you, but I am of opinion that the Ships Bottom should be the last 
 thing Medled with, her Stores of all kinds ought to be ready and 
 her Provisions ready so that immediately after Cleaning she should 
 have nothing else to do but Take them in and proceed to Sea. I 
 am Gentlemen Your humble Servant. 
 
 Boston 4th Sept. 1777. 
 
 To The Hon'ble The Navy Board appointed by Congress 
 for the Eastern district at their Office in Boston. 
 
 To John Browne ^ 
 Sir 
 
 You are hereby required and directed to Muster the Ships Com- 
 pany Tomorrow Morning by Seven o Clock. 
 
 When Muster'd you are to place Centinels so as to keep them 
 from dispersing, then you are to unrigg the Fore Topmast and 
 put it on Shore, in like manner the Main and Mizen Topmasts 
 taking care to have the rigging Tally'd so that no mistakes may 
 happen. The Jebboom you will also have in and ashore, the 
 utmost dispatch must be made to prepare the Ship for Sea. Your 
 humble Servant. 
 Boston sth Sept'r 6 o Clock P M. 
 
 To Lieut. John Browne of the Boston Frigate. 
 
 To THE Navy Board, Eastern District ^ 
 
 Boston 6th Sept'r 1777 
 Gentlemen 
 
 Your Letter of yesterday I rec'd and shall Observe your Orders 
 therein Contain'd. 
 
 As ther are Severall things wanting to fitt the Ship for Sea, 
 I have Set down at the foot, a few of the most Material Articles 
 that you may have time to provide them. 
 
 Should also take it as a favour, That you would be pleased to 
 Order a Survey on the Ships Standing rigging, as we are of opinion 
 that it is not Sufficient for a winters cruize. 
 
 It will be Likewise Necessary for you to determine how I am 
 
 1 Letter Book. 
 
75 
 
 to proceede in fitting the Ship, That is whither the work will de- 
 pend wholley on our own People without any farther encourage't 
 then their monthly wages. I am Gentlemen, Yours. 
 
 2 New Cables of i6i inch 120 fatho. each. 3 New Steering saDs 
 
 3 New Top sails i Jebb 
 
 3 New Top Gain Sails So Tons of Pigg Ballast, 
 
 Gentlemen ^ 
 
 In my last Letter to the Hon'ble Marine Committe dated 
 25th Ulto. you may remember that I have mention'd Capt: 
 Palmes, his being under Arrest. The Solicitations of the other 
 Officers on his behalf prevail'd with me to grant him all the 
 Liberty he desired. Had he resumed his duty and behaved prop- 
 erly since his Enlargement, I might have possibly overlook'd all 
 that was past, but inasmuch as he has again misbehaved and 
 appears incouragable, 'tis my duty to insist on his being brought 
 to Tryal as soon as possible. The crimes I have to accuse him 
 with are misaplication of the Ships Stores, Neglect of duty, dis- 
 obedience of orders, and attempts to Excite Murmuring and 
 Mutiny among the Ships Company, You will therefore be pleased 
 to give orders that a Competent number of Officers be Collected 
 together at this place as soon as may be to hear and determine on 
 this Matter. 
 
 Another request I have to make is that when those Gentlemen 
 are Collected here for the purposes aforesaid a number of Sea 
 officers only shall be Ordered to form themselves into a Court 
 of Enquiry to hear and Examine Evidencies such as can be found 
 Capable of giving information of the State of things on the 6th, 
 7th, and 8th days of July last in the little Squadron Command'd 
 by Capt. John Manley. 
 
 To the Intent that Facts may be Established by the Testimonies 
 of numbers who where then present on board the Boston. 
 
 I am Gentlemen, Your most Obed't Serv't. 
 Boston 9th Sep'r 1777. 
 
 To the Hon'ble Gentlemen 
 of the Navy Board at Boston. 
 
 1 Letter Book. 
 
76 
 
 To Horatio Gates ^ 
 
 Boston isth Sept'r 1777 
 
 To His Excellency Major Gen'l Gates. 
 
 Sir 
 
 A certain Benj'a Hall Tappin did inlist for three years in Capt. 
 Jabez Lane's company in Colonel Nixon's regiment haveing had 
 repeated promises that he should be appointed a Serg't. 
 
 With these assurances he went into the country to recruite, and 
 inlisted four men at one time, three at another time, and brought 
 them to Boston, where meeting a certain Mr. Buckminster, then 
 Adjutant to Nixons Regiment, Tappin was order'd to march as 
 a private. His Captain being absent, Tappin refused to march 
 untill he was reimbursed forty dollars of his own money which he 
 had laid out for the Support and mentainance of the Seven men 
 he had inlisted for the reg't, also insisted on the promises he had 
 of being appointed a Serjant, 
 
 A Misunderstanding arose between himself and the Adjutant, 
 so that he (Tappin) left him and enter'd on board the Continental 
 Ship under my command, concluding with himself That pro- 
 vided he continued in the Continental Service, and return'd the 
 Bounty he Should do no wrong. 
 
 As this man proved an Active trusty Seaman, he soon Attracted 
 my attention, so that makeing my self acquainted with his past 
 life I came to the knowledge of the foregoeing circumstances, which 
 I found bore verey heavy on his mind during the Cruize. 
 
 On our return to this place I waited on Gen'l Heath praying 
 him to give me up this one man as I had already given up a 
 great number of Landmen who had first inlisted with me, and 
 immediately afterwards enter'd into the army. This I have done 
 repeatedly and there is scarcely a week passes but I have an 
 opportunity of doing the like. 
 
 The Principall I go upon is. That if an able bodied Landman 
 inlists for One year on board my Ship, and in one week after 
 chooses to enter into the Army for three years, I will consent 
 that he shall goe because I think it is of more importance to the 
 Service to have a man for three years in the Army, then it can 
 possibly be to have the same man for Only one year on board of 
 my Ship. With these Sentiments it has been off ten in my power 
 to help officers to men, and it very seldom happens that I have 
 Occasion to ask such favours of the Gentlemen in the Land 
 Service. 
 
 1 Letter Book. 
 
77 
 
 General Heaths Answer was, That Colnel Nixons Regiment 
 was now in your department; That nothing could be done for me, 
 or my man in this case but by your Excellencys particular direc- 
 tions, and desired me to Lay a State of the matter before you 
 by Letter, which I have faithfully represented to the best of 
 my knowledge. 
 
 You will be pleased to consider that this man has been bred 
 to the Sea, has been Mate of a Vessell in the Merchants Service, 
 and has freinds who are able to give him good Employ as soon as 
 the War is over, the Soldiers Life is totally disagreeable to him, 
 and if ever he does well 'twill be in that proffession to which he 
 has Serv'd his youth, he is content to Stay in the Continental 
 Service by Sea and is worth prefferment. 
 
 Will your Excellency be pleased to let me keep this man, on my 
 returning the Bounty, or must I give a Landman in his room, or 
 what Else will you be pleased to have done with him. 
 
 Your former Friendship for me has encouraged me to hope 
 that you will not refuse me this favour. I will therefore keep him 
 untill your Excellencys pleasure concerning him be known, which 
 I humbly pray may be by return of the post. 
 
 May God preserve your precious Life and Crowne you with 
 health, Success and Victory, is the ardent wish of your Most 
 obed't Serv't 
 
 Hector McNeill. 
 
 To THE Council of Massachusetts ^ 
 
 To the Honourable Board of Council of the Massachusetts State. 
 Gentlemen 
 
 I understand that your Hon'ble Board intend to dispatch a 
 Flagg of Truce to Halifax. Suffer me the Liberty to Send you a 
 List of my Officers, and men who are now prisoners there, Humbley 
 praying that you would be pleased to take Such Steps as will 
 Set them at Liberty as soon as possible, more Espacially such' a 
 number of those first on the List, as may be an Equivalent for the 
 officers, and men, of the Fox, now prisoners here. You will be 
 pleased to Consider that many of my men have familys here in 
 a Suffering Situation, which of Necessity will grow greater from 
 their Absences. 
 
 I am Gentlemen with due Respect y'r Most Obed't Servant. 
 
 Boston 1 6th Sept'r 1777. 
 
 1 Letter Book, 
 
78 
 
 To John Bradford ^ 
 Sir 
 
 I have frequently apply'd at your Office for two peices broad 
 white Bunting, and a piece of narrow also, this is to renew that 
 demand as at present the Ship has no Colours to hoist. It will be 
 necessary for you to provide Pitch, Tarr and Turpentine with 
 Sulphur etc. and two Barrells of Tallow for the Ships use; we 
 have not Tarr enough to Tarr the Yards which is much wanting. 
 Yours 
 
 Hector McNeill. 
 
 Ship Boston Octo'r ist 1777. 
 
 To John Browne 
 Sir 
 
 You may remember I told you on Tuesday last, That I had 
 heard from Severall hands. That you had often said you did not 
 intend going to Sea in the Ship Boston. When I put the matter 
 to you, the answer you made me was not satisfactory. 
 
 I do therefore insist on a positive Answer in writing whither 
 you intend to Stand by the Ship the next Cruize, Or whither you 
 intend to quit her before she goes to Sea. Your answer in writing 
 will instantly determine me what to do. I am Sir Your humble 
 Servant 
 
 Hector McNeill. 
 
 Ship Boston Octo'r 3d 1777. 
 
 To Lt. Jno. Browne of the Boston. 
 
 To Robert Pierpont^ 
 Sir 
 
 Captain John Johnston, now a Prisoner here, to my certain 
 knowledge did in the year 1775 bring out a Cargo of Goods, and 
 a Gang of Carpenters to Quebec there intending to build a new 
 Ship; in Septem"" that same year I found him with his new Ship 
 in some forwardness, when the news arriv'd of the Garrison of 
 S* Johns being beseiged and Government began to put them- 
 selves in a State of defence. They immediately took all Capt. 
 
 1 Letter Book. John Bradford, Continental Agent at Boston. 
 
 2 Mass. Archives, CLXxxm. 205. 
 
79 
 
 Johnstons hands off the new Ship and insisted on himself entering 
 into the Artillery who were chiefly composed of Masters, Mates, 
 &c. belonging to the Merchant Ships there detained. Sooner than 
 comply, Capt. Johnston left his new Ship, his Cargo, and all, and 
 took passage for England, as also did all his People, one only 
 excepted and he was killed in the Storm of y« 31^* Decem'' when 
 Gen' Montgomery fell. Capt. Johnston retum'd last year a pas- 
 senger to Quebec bringing with him Sails and rigging for his new 
 Ship, but on his arrival he found that she had been taken to peices 
 and her frame carried up to Lake Champlain. He retum'd to 
 Britain and was now on his way to New York in the Merchant 
 Service. 
 
 Now this poor Man has a family and it is notorious that he 
 has Kept himself as much out of Action as possible. May it not 
 be hoped that he be not long detain'd here but sent to N. York, 
 at which place he has some Bussiness to Transact; in the mean 
 time may he be indulged with leave to stay on Shore at Lodgings 
 here untill the Flagg of Truce be ready to depart. I am Sir 
 with all possible Esteem Your most humble Servant 
 
 Hector McNeill. 
 Boston 6* Octo' 1777 
 
 [Addressed] To M"" Robert Pierpont 
 Commissary of Prisoners 
 Present. 
 
 To Lawrence Furlong^ 
 
 Your Letter of yesterday was handed me by Mr. Gregg. In 
 answer to which I tell you that (my orders of the 17th Sep'r last 
 which are placarded on the bulk head in common view) those 
 orders have met with the approbation of the Navy Board, and I 
 expect that you and every other Officer whose duty it is to keep 
 Journals will comply with them. 
 
 The misfortune has been that yourself and many others of the 
 late Officers of the Boston fancied yourselves totally independent 
 of me — consequently not accountable. The course of your whole 
 conduct the last Cruise and since our arrival, proves this, but I 
 am not that blockhead of yesterday you vainly immagine. I will 
 have you and all Men know that as Officers under my Command 
 you are accountable to me for your Conduct and without my 
 
 1 Letter Book. 
 
8o 
 
 approbation no Man has a right to Wages or Prize Money — as to 
 paying the Wages to Officers and Men, I have done it too Long 
 for mine own advantage. Whenever the Hon'ble Congress appoints 
 a pay Officer it will take a great deal of trouble off my hands. 
 As to your reference to the 9th Article of the Masters instruc- 
 tions, it touches me not, the order I gave the 17th I had a right 
 to give, and none but fools would have refused to comply with 
 them. Yours 
 
 Hector McNeill. 
 Boston 7th Octo'r 1777. 
 
 To John Browne ^ 
 Sir 
 
 On the 3d instant I put the above Letter into your hand, to 
 which I desired you would give a positive answer immediately. 
 
 This you have Neglected to do, — in any Other way then by 
 Absenting yourself from the Ship, and Neglecting your duty. 
 
 From this circumstance and many others, togeither with the 
 totall Neglect and contempt with which you have treated my 
 Orders of every kind for some time past, I do conclude. That 
 you Neither intend going in the Ship yourself nor wish that others 
 should go. 
 
 I shall therefore write to the Hon'ble Congress to Supply your 
 place with some person who may be better disposed to cary on 
 the Ships duty then you have been. 
 
 In the mean time I think it my duty to Suspend you untill 
 the pleasure of Congress be known. You are Therefore hereby 
 Suspended from the Office of Lieutenant of the Ship Boston in 
 the Service of the united States of America, and are hereby also 
 strictly forbiden any farther Exercise of Authourity as an Officer 
 on board the Said Ship or any thing belonging to the Same from 
 the day of the date hereof. 
 
 Given on Board the Boston Ship of War in the Harbour of 
 Boston this 9th day of October 1777. 
 
 To Mr. John Browne. 
 
 1 Letter Book. 
 
8i 
 
 To THE Marine Committee * 
 
 Ship Boston at Boston gth Oct'r 1777 
 To the Hon'ble the Marine Committe of the Continental Congress. 
 
 Gentlemen 
 
 Your Orders of the Sixth ultimo I have rec'd and shall do my 
 outmost to Execute them with all possible dispatch. We have 
 Shifted our Standing rigging on the Main and Fore Masts since 
 our arival and are well on with evrey other kind of repair of which 
 the Ship stood in need, and I prepose cleaning her Bottom the 
 Next full Moon, as the tides will then fully answer to Lay the 
 Ship ashore. Our main dificualty will be to procure hands, as we 
 are daily robb'd of our men by both privatiers, and merchant men; 
 the Extravigant wages given by the Latter, and the great En- 
 couragements given by the former, togeither with some mismanage- 
 ment amongst our selves has left us a thin Ship. Nevertheless 
 I hope to get to Sea before the cold weather sets in. 
 
 In my letter of the 25th of August I did inform you that Capt. 
 Palmes of our Marines was under Arrest, and that I could not see 
 how he could be brought to a Court martial as we were only a 
 Single Ship in this Port. 
 
 As Soon as the Navy Board mett here I did apply to them by 
 Letter of the 9th of Sept'r last requesting that they would call 
 a Suffeicent number of Officers from Providence to Sit on that 
 court martial, Also to hold a Court of Enquirey on our proceedings 
 the Last cruize, That all possible Evidence might be collected 
 from our Ships company (before they Scattered) concerning the 
 Loss of the Hancock and the Fox. 
 
 I am now told that the Expedition in Contemplation Against 
 Rhode Island, is the Cause why those officers have not been 
 Ordered here as I requested. 
 
 This happens a Little unluckey at present inasmuch as an Ex- 
 ample of justice is wanting at this time on persons who commit 
 such crimes as Capt. Palmes Stands Charged with — That other 
 men may see and refraine in time from such misdeeds. His crime 
 is Neglect of duty, Misapplication of the Ships Stores, disobedi- 
 ence of Orders, and frequent attempts to raise discontent and 
 Mutiny among the Ships Company. If either of these crimes be 
 proved against him, I flatter my self that the Hon'ble Congress 
 will never give him another Commission to Cast into the fire as 
 he did that with which they Once honoured him. 
 
 1 Letter Book, 
 
82 
 
 In Consequence of some altrication between Mr. Browne the 
 first Lt. and Some of the people on board I have been led to Ex- 
 amine narrowly into his Conduct, which I find so reprehensible 
 that I have this day Suspended him untill the pleasure of Con- 
 gress be known. 
 
 I have charged him with Neglect of duty and a Designe of 
 detaining the Ship in Port all winter by persuadeing some and 
 threatning Others to quit the Ship, so that he may live ashore 
 here in ease and idleness, some of his predominate vices. 
 
 Our 2d Lt. Mr. Simon Gross, is now a prisoner at Halifax, our 
 third Lt., Mr. Hazekiah Welch, is here, and is determined to 
 abide by the Ship. Mr. William Paris, a young man who has 
 served as a Mate and Midshipman on board, is both a Seaman 
 and a Gentleman. Him I have appointed to act as a Lieutenant 
 untill it shall please the Hon'ble Congress to Confirm, or Dis- 
 approve, of my choice. The former I shall look on as a favour; 
 the Latter will not make me uneasy. 
 
 A Verey Singular instance has turn'd up here which I cannot 
 forbear takeing notice of. When the Agents advertized in the 
 publick prints that the Bostons Prize Money was to be paid I 
 published the following order on board the Ship which I caused 
 to be placarded in the most publick place of the Ship — 
 
 The Officers, viz. Mates and Midshipmen of the Ship Boston, 
 are to produce fair Copys of their Journals, Signed by their own 
 hands, in order to intitle them to their wages and prize money 
 for the Said Ship. 
 
 Ship Boston 17th Sept'r 1777. 
 
 H: McN. 
 
 The above order gave offence to Severall of our officers, and they 
 refused to give in their Journals, on which I stop'd the payment 
 of their prize Money. As for Mr. Palmes, 'tho I Expected no 
 Journal of him, yet as he was under Arrest I thought proper to 
 detain his, untill his fate was decided by a Courtmartial. 
 
 In this case those Gentlemen found themselves a Little Em- 
 barras'd and tho they would not acknowledge my authority over 
 them So much as to render copy of their Journals, yet they found 
 that I had Stop'd payment of their prize money untill they 
 should Comply with that Order. 
 
 Messrs. Vernon and Deshon of the Na[v]y Board being at this 
 time up at Providence, Mr. Palmes went thither and SoUicited an 
 
83 
 
 order to Obtain the Prize money for himself, Mr. Browne and 
 Mr. Furlong, the Master, By his false representations of Facts 
 he amused those Gentlemen so much that they wrote to the Hon'ble 
 Gen'l Warren, requesting that he would take some Steps with the 
 Agents to Oblige them to pay those men their Shares whither I 
 would or not. This was not all but the most Extrordinary Step 
 was that they also preposed to appoint Mr. Palmes to go on board 
 the Warren at Providence as Capt. of Marines, and to shift the 
 Capt. of Marines of that Ship into the Boston, and all this to be 
 done without takeing notice of the Arrest under which Capt. Palmes 
 had been, ever since the loth of Aug't last. 
 
 This I must Complain of as a most unprecedented Step. Never 
 was a man taken from under Arrest and preffer'd to any other 
 Employment without first undergoing a Court Martial. Nor is 
 it possible that ever good order should Exist in armys, or fleets, 
 without takeing care to punnish, cashier, or repremand, such as 
 shall on due trial be found guilty of such offences. If precedents 
 of this kind be permitted once to take place, farewell Discipline- 
 and good Order, farewell Honour, and honesty. The Service will 
 then become a recepticall for unclean birds who will hereby be' 
 Encouraged to take Shelter there, and all men of good principals 
 will totally forsake it. 
 
 Who the man is whom these Gentlemen propose to put on 
 board the Boston in Palmes his room, as comeing from the Warren, 
 I cannot tell; but I hear he cannot Live on board the Warren. 
 'Tis an Old Proverb, that two cheats make the bargain even — 
 but my determination is, never to receive a turn'd over Officer 
 from another Ship without he brings an ample certificate in his 
 hand from his former Commander. This I know to be consistant 
 with good discipline and common honesty and nothing but a re- 
 solve of Congress to the contrary will prevail with me to alter 
 my opinion. 
 
 God and Nature has said, That one head is indispe[n]sibley 
 Necessary on board of a Ship. On that head or principal person, 
 evrey other must have such a Measure of dependence as will 
 urge them to Obey his commands with chearfuUness. His Authour- 
 ity over his Officers and men should be such as to render all his 
 Lawful] commands not only their duty but their intrest to obey 
 them without hesitation. In this channell a Ship full of men 
 may be Governed by a prudent man with ease and certainty, but 
 if ever his authority be disputed by a Second person, a third and 
 a fourth will arise. Consequently the whole will run into Anarchy 
 and Confusion. 
 
84 
 
 To return to the duty of officers witii itspect to producing 
 Journals, I must say that I know of no Sea Service in the world 
 where Officers are Exempted from this so interesting a piece of 
 duty. 
 
 Copys of their Journals must be produced at the pay office 
 with their Captains certificates of their Services. Otherwise they 
 can Expect neither pay nor prize Money, but as we in our Service 
 are frequently in advance for our Officers over and above their 
 wages, their prize money is the only cheque we have upon them. 
 This I think will Justify my proceedings in Stoping their Shares 
 for the reasons already given. Not only this but I will aver 
 that there Never was a Ship on the Continent Either publick or 
 private, whose prize money was paid so soon, and so faithfully as 
 ours has been. 
 
 I must now beg leave to give my Opinion respecting Marine 
 officers for such Ships as ours, so much hampered for want of 
 room. I think in concience a Subeltern is Enough, three Marine 
 officers takes up so much room to accomodate them that we are 
 pinch'd beyound measure to afford it. Then they have Little or 
 no duty to do, are allways in the way and apt to disagree with the 
 Sea officers so that it takes much trouble to mannage them, 
 then they run away with so much of the prize money from Officers 
 who are realy usefuU, that 'tis painfull to hear the murmerings 
 it Occasions. Might it not be proper to Lessen their Number 
 down to one on board the frigates and give what the other two 
 did Enjoy between the Chaplin and Surg'n. Sure I am that- 
 you must alter the System for the Surgeons in the fleet, otherwise 
 you will not have one Man of abillitys in the Service. 
 
 I have a young man with me whose Name is William Lamb — 
 in case you think proper to appoint only one Marine officer for 
 our Ship, he well deserves the prefference and I should take it 
 as a favour. 
 
 A young French Gentleman (his Name is Peter Cavey) who 
 was with us as a Voluntier last cruize appears fond of a Brevet 
 for a Lieutenancy of Marines. If it be Consistent to let him have 
 what he desires, 'twill make him verey happy. I mention this at 
 his request and partly as a recompence for his warm wishes for 
 the wellfare of this country. 
 
 This will be handed you by Doctor Linn, the Surgeon of our 
 Ship whom I must beg leave to recommend to your particular 
 Notice. 
 
 I am Gentlemen etc. 
 
8s 
 
 I cannot close this Letter without acquainting you that I am 
 now upwards of three thousand dollars in advance for the Ship, 
 not haveing rec'd one farthing since my arival either to pay off 
 the old hands or Engage new ones. This has everlastingly been 
 my case since I have been with the Ship — the Service I have 
 Ever been Obliged to cary on unsuported, so that I am weary of 
 such work; as both the publick credit, and mine owne have 
 Suffered for want of due Supply s. 
 
 To John Adams ^ 
 Sir 
 
 This will be handed you by Doctor John L. Linn, the Surgeon 
 of our Ship. He goes to Congress with designe to Represent the 
 hardships himself and others in that capacity, Suffer at present, 
 from the inadiquate appointment allow'd to Surgeons on board 
 the Navy; I think that instead of crowding our Ships with Marine 
 officers, who are only a burthen, and of no Service in life on board 
 a Ship, 'twould be well to give the Surgeons more Encouragement, 
 and reduce the Number of the Marine officers to one Subeltarn, 
 on board the frigates; then let the Surgeon Share with the 
 Lieutenants and master, in place of the Capt. of Marines, who 
 is as useless a piece of furniture on board a Ship, as a broken 
 pair of bellows at a fire side. 
 
 How long shall we Languish here for want of Support — here 
 am I, struggling with dificualtys inumerable; and want of cash 
 has ever been our Lot, since I have been in the service. I was 
 at one time last Spring four thousand pounds in advance for the 
 Ship. I am now more than three thousand dollars in advance, 
 and all this without fee or reward. I must Confess that I am 
 weary of such work. May I ask the favour of you to think of 
 me a Little now and then, if matters of greater importance will 
 permitt your thoughts to range so far from your daily Toils. 
 
 May God strengthen your hearts in this day of trial, and save 
 our country by his Almighty power, your Most obed't Servant 
 Boston Qth Oct'r 1777. 
 
 To the Hon'ble John Adams, Member of Congress for the Massa- 
 cussets State. 
 
 Copy of the above was sent at the same time to Mr. Sam'l Adams. 
 
 1 Letter Book. 
 
86 
 
 To John Butler ^ 
 
 Boston Oct'r 14th 1777 
 Sir 
 
 I make no doubt but some Sparks of your former Friendship 
 for me will appear, when ever I stand in Need of your good 
 offices ; 
 
 Such is my case at present. Fortune of war has drawn a 
 young kinsman of mine to Halifax. For him is the inclosed 
 Letter with a bill on our Mutuall Friend Mr. Watson. Shall I 
 intreat of you to pass this bill throu your hands, and give him 
 the Money, he indorseing the Bill. I am Sir your most Obed't 
 Servant, 
 
 H. McN. 
 To the Hon'ble John Buttler Esq'r 
 at Halifax. 
 
 To Robert McNeill * 
 
 Boston 14th Oct'r 1777 
 Dear Robert 
 
 This brings you a bill of twenty pounds Sterling on Mr. Brook 
 Watson of London. 
 
 I have wrote to the Hon'ble John Buttler of Halifax, to take 
 up this Bill and pray him to give you the Cash on your endorse- 
 ing it. 
 
 I send this to help you and your fellow prisoners (your ship 
 mates in the Boston) and I hope if any of them stand in Need 
 you will not see them suffer, John Garrat, Thos. Lovering, among 
 the common men and Gideon Woodwell if he behaves well. 
 
 You may Acquaint Mr. Gross and Mr. Harris That I have 
 remitted Cash to both their familys. 
 
 I would have sent you more credit but that I have hopes of 
 your being soon relieved. Farewell. 
 
 To Robert McNeill, prisoner at Halifax. 
 
 To John Hancock * 
 
 by which means I have got the Ship ready for the Sea (there 
 being nothing to take in at this present time but the Sea provisions 
 
 1 Letter Book. 
 
 2 Letter Book. The first part of this letter is missing. 
 
87 
 
 the powder and a few small Stores), yet for want of money 
 we are obliged to put off the discharged men with Tears in their 
 eyes and are unable to Enter new men, haveing no money Either 
 to pay the former or ingage the Latter. 
 
 The incessant Complaints I am obliged to hear of those poor 
 men who want their wages, and the poor women whose husbands 
 are in Captivity while they and their children are Starveing is 
 Verey discouraging circumstances, and must in the end be fatall 
 to the Service. For Gods Sake, and for your own Sake and 
 your countrys, be pleased to take some Steps whereby those com- 
 plaints may be redress'd. 
 
 Wishing you health and evrey bless [ing] I am Sir. 
 
 To the Hon'ble Jno. Hancock. 
 
 To THE Council of Massachusetts ^ 
 
 Boston 28th Oct'r 1777 
 To the Hon'ble Council! of the Massachusetts State. 
 
 Gentlemen 
 
 Last Lords day week a certain Mr. Baker who calls himself 
 a Warden did insult a Centinel which I had placed for the 
 Security of the Ships Stores, now altogether on shore at the 
 head of the Hon'ble Mr. Hancocks Wharfe. The Lower Store 
 on that Wharfe is full of them and the Cannon, Cables, Top- 
 masts, yards, Schott and Water Casks takes up the whole Wharfe 
 as far up as the said Store. The Centinel had receiv'd orders 
 to Let no Person Trample upon, nor even go amongst those 
 Articles thus Exposed, either in the Night time, Or on the Sab- 
 bath, as the officers of the Ship and most of the Men, were then 
 supposed to be absent, either taking their natural rest, or at 
 some place of Publick Worship. 
 
 The reason why such orders had been given the Centinel, was 
 — that several attempts had been made Secretly to Stop up the 
 Vents of our Cannon as they lay on the Wharfe. 
 
 These with the Cables, Yards, Topmasts, Anchors, Shott Water 
 Casks, etc. being all Expos'd on the open Wharfe none other 
 Security could be obtained for them Except the Care of the 
 Centinel. 
 
 I therefore Conceive it was my duty to appoint one and that 
 '■ From the Gray Papers. 
 
88 
 
 I had an undoubted right to give such orders, and shall still do 
 what I know to be my duty in this respect, oppose it who will. 
 
 One thing I am sure of, that none but bad Men would oppose 
 such a Measure, as the Safety of the Ship and Stores depends on 
 the care that we who are intrusted with them may take of the 
 whole. 
 
 On Saturday last a Person who call'd himself a Peace Officer, 
 the' unknown to me applied desiring I would deliver up that 
 person who had been Centinel on the preceeding Sabbath with 
 whom Mr. Baker had the dispute. This I refused to do being 
 perfectly assured that the Man had only done his duty, and as 
 perfectly Satisfied that Mr. Baker's proceedings was vexatious, 
 Litigious and Spitefull which has been Sufficiently proved by his 
 vile Conduct Last Lords day, for instead of observing the Solem- 
 nitys of the Sabbath, he (Mr. Baker) had made it his Business 
 to assemble a band of ruffians, who came down the Wharfe in a 
 Body, attack'd and partly disarm'd the Centinel, some of them 
 Seising him behind his back, others attempting to wrest his fire- 
 lock out of his hand, and one of them actually Snatch'd the Bayo- 
 net from the Muzell of the peice, with it Stab'd the said Centi- 
 nel, and another person who came to his assistance. Crying out 
 all the time they were about this unhallowed work, that they would 
 Support Civil Government. 
 
 If Civil Government cannot be Supported without such measures 
 as these, let it be remember'd that all Men may make the same 
 pretences for Committing any outrage whatever. 
 
 My reason for not permitting the officer to go on board the 
 Ship is obvious to all Men who know the nature of Shiping and 
 the Character of Seamen — in the first place, all Possible Excuses 
 for doing Mischiefe or committing irregularitys shou'd be totally 
 taken away from Seamen, their boisterous rude nature being but 
 too apt to catch at any occasion that may offer as a pretext for 
 their Leaping the bounds of good Government. For this reason 
 they ought to be Strictly governed and closely employ'd about their 
 duty as much as Possible. This I have made my Study and have 
 Govern'd that Ships Company for several Months last Winter 
 alongside of the Wharfe, without having one Complaint against 
 any of them, and I think I can bid defiance to all who shall accuse 
 them with unruly behaviour out of the Ship, either on the Sab- 
 bath or any other day since the Ship has been in this Port. If 
 this be truth as I can abundantly prove, with what face can it 
 be expected I should give up a faithfuU Centinel to the Mallice 
 of an officious durty fellow, who so far from observing the de- 
 
89 
 
 sign of his own appointment, was the first who broke through the 
 rules of decency and good order by attacking and disarming a 
 Centinel placed on our own bounds to take proper care of the 
 Stores belonging to the Ship. 
 
 Another reason I have for not suffering Constables to board 
 the Ship, is that every pettyfogger of the Law have it in their 
 power to send such creatures as Constables on their dirty Business. 
 
 In this way, groundless, Malicious Prosecutions may be sett 
 on foot. This we have suffer'd in the Course of last Winter more 
 than once. It may be said the Law points out a remedy. I 
 confess it does, but I answer that we have something else to do 
 with our time and Money than to spend them both in disputes at 
 Law. 
 
 A third reason I have against permitting Constables to Search 
 Ships is, the moral certainty of their receiving ill treatment in the 
 operation. This would be almost impossible to prevent, nay I 
 shou'd think from what I know of Seamen that such a man on 
 such an errand would be likely to Loose his life or some of his 
 Limbs, rather than find the person he was in pursuit of. 
 
 Therefore I am sure it will only tend to farther mischief to 
 insist upon it. 
 
 If the Men belonging to the Ship I Command Committ any 
 disorder in the Town or injure the meanest Inhabitant, I Promise 
 to do my utmost that he may be punished according to Law, but 
 if any person comes on board the Ship, or amongst the Ships 
 Stores, or into the Store House hired for the use of the Ship, and 
 there quarrells with my people, I think they ought to reap the 
 fruits of their own folly. 
 
 On the Contrary whenever a Complaint is brought to me 
 against one of my Men for committing an unlawfull Action, I 
 will deliver up that Man to the officer of Justice ashore, but I 
 cannot think it prudent to permitt an officer to follow a Man 
 on board the Ship, where it is more than probable he will meet 
 with Dammage rather than find the person he wants. 
 
 The reason of my troubling you with this affair, is that I 
 understand a complaint has been made to your Hon'ble Board 
 concerning my refusing Constables, Wardens, etc. a permition to 
 search the Ship. Whatever that complaint may be I am ready 
 and willing to make my defence when call'd upon before your 
 Honours, where I make no doubt I shall be heard with Candour. 
 I am Gentlemen Your most Obed't Servant 
 
 Hector McNeill. 
 
 [Memorandum] Copy of my Letter to the Council Oct'r 28th 1777. 
 
90 
 
 Certificate ^ 
 
 These Certify that Thomas Shaw, Seaman belonging to the 
 Ship Boston, did on the 19th day of June last fall from the head 
 of the Main Topmast, by which accident his Skull was fractur'd, 
 his Collar Bone and Jaw Bone broke and has finally lost the use 
 of his left Arm, he is therefore recommended to the Hon'"® Navy 
 Board for such a Provision as they see Meet. 
 
 Hector McNeill, 
 Ship Boston, 27"^ Decem*" 1777. 
 
 Petition to Congress ^ 
 To the Honourable, the Continental Congress. 
 
 The Petition of Hector McNeill, most humbly Sheweth, 
 
 That your petitioner, haveing had the honour of commanding 
 the continental ship Boston, did sail on a cruise from Nantasket 
 road, on the 21st of May 1777, in company with, and under the 
 command of John Manley Esqr. commander of the Hancock. 
 
 That dureing the aforesaid cruise a Brlttish Frigate, call'd the 
 Fox, was captured, by the continental ships above mentioned; 
 which Frigate was lost on the 7th of July last, and the Hancock 
 also on the day following, both taken by the Enemy. 
 
 That in consequence of this Loss, courts Martial have been 
 held on both the commanders of the Continental ships, by the 
 proceedings of which court and more especially their finall Sen- 
 tence, your Petitioner thinks himself exceedingly Agreived; inas- 
 much as he finds himself thereby rob'd of his reputation and ex- 
 posed to perpetuall infamy (as he humbly conceives) without 
 even the Shaddow of Law, or justice, as will sufficiently appear 
 by the severall reasons set forth in his protest of the 30th June 
 1778. 
 
 Your Petitioner humbly presumes, that he can make it appear — 
 That he has not been guilty of any offence within the compass of 
 any of the Articles of war prescribed by the Honourable Congress 
 for the government of the American Navy — and thinks it ex- 
 tremely hard to be condemn'd by Opinion or Prejudice, without 
 Law — he therefore most humbly implores the mercy, and jus- 
 tice of the hon'ble Congress, to save him from the impending 
 ruin, with which he is threatned, and prays that they would 
 order the proceedings of the aforesaid Courts Martial to be re- 
 
 1 Chamberlain Collection, Boston Public Library. 
 
 2 Papers of Continental Congress xlii. S, 73. 
 
91 
 
 vised, or take such other Steps as their Wisdom shall think most 
 Expedient for procureing him that Justice which he finds himself 
 under a Necessity of Seeking from them alone, and your Peti- 
 tioner as in duty bound will ever pray etc. etc. 
 
 Hector McNeill. 
 Philadelphia, 25th July, 1778. 
 
 [Memoranda] Hector McNeill's petition to the Hon'ble Conti- 
 nental Congress July 25th, 1778. 
 
 Read 29 July, 1778. Referred to the marine Com'ee. 
 
 To John Paul Jones ^ 
 
 Philadelphu, September 4th, 1778 
 Dear Sir, — 
 
 Many are the Trials, Sorrows, and heartakeings which have fallen 
 to my Lot since I had the pleasure of seeing you. 
 
 There can be no doubt of your being acquainted long 'ere this, 
 with the State of my affairs, and of the treatment I have met with, 
 from those of whom I had a right to Expect better things; but 
 as no Sinner can be completely fitted for damnation, without being 
 guilty of the Sin of ingratitude, by this time 'tis to be hoped. That 
 the Cup of the Measure of their iniquity of my enemies may be 
 nearly full. 
 
 Such have been my sufferings and so many and mighty are the 
 Numbers of my unprovoked Enemies, That I cannot refrain from 
 comparing my Case, with that of the man (we read of) who fell 
 among the Theives. 
 
 One of the greatest pleasures I have had, has been hearing from 
 you, by three Letters; which I hereby acknowledge the rec't of; 
 and since that hearing of your prosperity. May God preserve 
 you, and send you safe back, to your american Friends among 
 whom I trust you rate y'rs, 
 
 Hector McNeill, 
 To Jno. Paul Jones, Esq'r. 
 
 Addressed, 
 
 To John Paul Jones, Esq'r of the Ranger, at Brest. Favour'd 
 by Capt. Bell. 
 
 Forwarded by Dear Sir Your assured h. St., 
 L'Orient 23d Oct'r 1778. Moylan. 
 
 [Memorandum] From Hector McNeill Esq'r, Philadelphia, Sept'r 
 4th, 1778. Rec'd Brest Oct'r 28th, 1778. 
 
 1 John Paul Jones mss., Library of Congress. 
 
92 
 
 To His Wife^ 
 
 Philadelphia, [September] 14th 1778 
 My dear Mary, 
 
 I received your Letter of the 27th of last month. I am re- 
 joiced to hear that you are in health. May that kind God who 
 has hitherto preserved us continue his favours, and make us 
 thankfull. 
 
 I have been detain'd in my affairs here, by a slight indis- 
 position, but am now in good health again bless'd be God; I 
 have wrote you several Letters since my being here, but none of 
 much importance, so that theire miscarrying gives me no other 
 pain, then that of your Anxiety about me. I have goten all my 
 papers in such forwardness, that I hope Next week will enable 
 me to Lay them before the Committee. Mr. Adams has been as 
 freindly as I could Expect and will, I trust in God, continue to 
 assist me throu with this dreadful Load of care and Sorrow. The 
 heat of this place was exceeding troublesome to me, and the 
 Expence enough to destroy me but as I am here I will see the 
 matter ended if possible before I quit the place but you may be 
 sure I shall make all the haste to your dear arms, that I possibly 
 can. 
 
 My Compliments to the doctor and all freinds, I would have 
 wrote him but my Neck is almost broke with Stooping at the 
 pen for three weeks past — during the whole week past, I have 
 not stir'd out of my room except to go up and down Stairs to 
 Victuals. As to our Liveing Over the winter, I hope God will 
 open some door for our Support, at least we must comfort our- 
 selves by compareing our own cases with that of other peoples. 
 We shall not be so badly Situated as many others; the cry is 
 generall in this place as well as with you. Many people are re- 
 duced to great Misery here, and the Necessarys of life exceeding 
 dear. 
 
 My Love to you, and my bles[sing] to my Children. May God 
 preserve you all, 
 
 Prays your affectionate Husband 
 
 Hector McNeill. 
 
 I wrote one Letter by the post this day fortnight, but of no 
 Consequence. You need not write to me after the rec't of this. 
 
 ^ From the Gray Papers. 
 
93 
 
 John Paul Jones to Thomas Bell ^ 
 
 Brest Nov'r isth 1778 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 It was reported and believed here that you had gone to Passy 
 immediately on your Arrival; otherwise I should have written to 
 you as soon as your return to France was anounced. I duely 
 received the letter which you brought from Captain McNeill. I 
 thank you sincerely for your obliging letter of the 3d which un- 
 fortunately did not come to my hands till the 12 th, else I 
 should have written a Variety of letters to America. I fear they 
 would be after this too late to find you at L'Orient. I forwarded 
 a Packet the 13th for Mr. Morris which I beg you to sink together 
 with the inclosed, rather than suffer them to fall into the Enemies 
 Hands. 
 
 Your account of the particular affection towards me of Mr. 
 Morris, Mr. Hewes and other worthy Characters affords me the 
 truest pleasure. I would far rather have the Esteem and Friend- 
 ship of a few such Men than the empty applause of Millions, who 
 possess less liberal souls. Yet I confess to you that my Vanity is 
 greatly Flattered by your Account of the generous Public appro- 
 bation of my past Services. And I pledge myself to that gener- 
 ous Public that it shall be my first care and my hearts supremest 
 wish to merit the continuance of its approbation, by my future 
 Services and constant endeavours to Support the Honor of Free- 
 dom's Flag. 
 
 I should have been happy to have received letters from my 
 friends in America: you say they did not expect to find me still 
 in France; but that need be no Objection after your return to 
 Philadelphia, as you will see by the within copy of a letter from 
 the Commissioners to the Minister of the Marine; which I send 
 you in Confidence. Do not however conclude from what you read 
 in that letter, that I mean to draw my Sword as a Commander 
 under any other than the American Flag. The Mystery of my 
 present situation has given foundation to the Vulgar error, that I 
 am on bad terms with the Commissioners at Paris. The Mill'on 
 cannot otherwise account for my not having proceeded in the 
 Ranger — as they have seen a Man ^ in disgrace called back from 
 Nantes to take that Command, who has not had gratitude enough 
 to acknowledge that he owes it either to my lenity towards him- 
 
 1 John Paul Jones mss., Library of Congress. 
 
 2 Lieutenant Thomas Simpson, formerly first officer of the Ranger, 
 who had been put under arrest by Captain Jones. 
 
94 
 
 self, my feelings for his Wife and Family, or to my duty, which 
 obliged me to oppose the Commissioners who were about to super- 
 sede every Lieutenant in the Service, by giving a Captains Com- 
 mission and the Command of the Ranger to Mr. Livingston, who 
 had only made one little Cruise from Bordeaux in the Boston, and 
 had left that Ship immediatly on her return to L'Orient on pre- 
 tence of Bad Health. I am sensible however, that this Vulgar 
 Error has been and may be of great disservice to me as almost 
 every person who has gone from France to America within the 
 last three months, have taken with them, in consequence of it, 
 the belief of my Disgrace. Be you my Friend well assured that 
 tho' it has given me much pain to take the steps I have done with 
 an officer, yet I can and will justify myself. They were measures 
 of Necessity, not of choice; yet strictly within the letter and 
 spirit of the Laws of Congress. And if I am blamable, it is for 
 having shewn an ungrateful Man too much lenity. That however 
 is an Error which the Head only will condemn: the Heart will 
 pardon it. 
 
 Your account of the situation of Philadelphia and of our Poor 
 Marine distresses much; but let us not altogether despond. Tho' 
 I am no Prophet, the one will yet become the first City and the 
 other the first Navy, within a much shorter space of time than is 
 generally imagined. When the Enemies land force is once con- 
 quered and expelled the Continent, our Marine will rise as if 
 by Enchantment, and become within the memory of Persons now 
 living, the wonder and Envy of the World. 
 
 I am exceedingly sorry for Captain Youngs ^ misfortune — the 
 more so as I had the misfortune to advise him to go into Ockro- 
 cock. I expect however that he will continue in the Service and 
 have better Fortune. And I hope you have not quitted it. I 
 really feel for my old Friend Captain McNeill and his Family. 
 I'm afraid he has been sacrificed to appease the Cabals of a set 
 of Bad Men, who to my knowledge, owed him the utmost Grati- 
 tude. But without entering into the merits of his case, I attest 
 to you that besides his general knowledge of shipps, he inherits 
 more Marine Knowledge than any other Man, with whom I have 
 had equal conversation, in the Service: Therefore the loss of 
 such a Man would be very Great. 
 
 I am sorry and much disappointed by not hearing from Young, 
 who said so much about his wife's Friend my Fair Mistriss! by 
 his Silence I fear I have a Rival who by Opportunity and im- 
 
 1 John Young of the Continental brig Independence, wrecked at Ocra- 
 coke Inlet, North Carolina. 
 
95 
 
 portunity may make great and Dancerous Advances towards the 
 Heart before I can arrive to raise the Siege. I'm afraid this 
 making Love by Proxy will not answer; and I shall Despair of 
 its Success Unless I soon receive some Encouragement. I will 
 write to Mr. Brown that good Friend to whom I owe singular 
 Obligations, I will write to Young also and to McNeill, but 
 that I may not loose this Post I have only time to beg you to send 
 me the best Account you can of the Situation of the officers men- 
 tioned in the within Hst, and if you have any Papers, Resolves, or 
 Rules of Congress respecting the Navy in your hands you will 
 much oblige me by Sparing them if you can. My late faithful 
 Subjects have taken, I will not say pilfered, all mine, among 
 other things " For Ships Use." I will see you if you do not 
 depart very soon. If I should not, may the God of Ocean give 
 you Safe Conduct. I am Sincerely your Friend, 
 
 [J. Paul Jones] 
 Thomas Bell, Esq'r ^ 
 
 [Addressed] Thomas Bell, Esq'r, L'Orient. 
 
 From John Paul Jones ^ 
 
 Brest, Nov'r 17th, 1778 
 
 I have received, my dear Friend, your letter of the 4th Sept'r 
 last from Philadelphia. Beleive me I have felt and do feel for 
 you and your good Family all that affectionate Sorrow and regret 
 that ought to actuate the Mind of a Friend. I am to this hour 
 unacquainted with the detail of your strange misfortune. Strange! 
 It must be, since why did not your Enemies step forth with their 
 Cabals immediatly on your return to Boston? I have had the 
 mortification to see the Boston here, with such Officers! Our 
 Navy makes no very Brilliant or promising beginning. Nine out 
 of Ten of the actors in a certain Sphere as far as my knowledge 
 goes, have the most selfish, contracted Souls that ever animated 
 human Nature. But the supreme power of America will soon I 
 hope have leasure to seperate the Wheat from the Chaff. There 
 are in the World in some Classes a great Majority of Dunces, 
 who wish to root out and extirpate every thing like genius that 
 comes among them, least their little selfish Minds should be 
 exposed and their grovelling actions outshone. And where it is 
 
 '^ Captain of an American privateer. 
 
 2 John Paul Jones mss., Library of Congress. 
 
96 
 
 the hard lot of a liberal Minded Man to be connected with such 
 beings, he may well be said to have " fallen among the Theives." 
 I have seen an old Lieutenant of mine on board the Providence, 
 Mr. Pitcher, who tho I had but a moments time with him told me 
 that your treatment had been very personal and Unjust, and that 
 he had publickly given that as his Opinion at the time in Boston. 
 I shall at present only return you my Sincere Thanks for your 
 good Opinion and good Wishes. No man I believe ever had more 
 Credit for a little service in Europe than myself. Yet I can 
 assure you that my Roses have not been without a Superabundance 
 of Thorns. I have experienced Ingratitude from Men to whom 
 I had shewn the highest degree of Hospitallity and Kindness — 
 even after repeated instances of their misbehaviour: But this is 
 the way of the World and we must do good without views of 
 thanks. Captain Bell will inform you further. I have written 
 to him and hope he will favor me with the particulars that re- 
 spect you: In that Case you will hear from me again by him if 
 a letter can overtake him at L'Orient. I wish you Happy in every- 
 thing and I wish America may not overlook your principles and 
 Abilities to support the Honor of her Flag. I am My dear Sir 
 with real Affection Yours, 
 
 [J. Paul Jones] 
 
 Hector McNeill, Esq'r 
 Captain in the American Navy. 
 
 N.B. When you write to me direct to the Care of Mr. James 
 Moylan of L'Orient, Mr. John Ross or Mr. Jon'a Williams ^ of 
 Nantes, or his Excellency Doctor Franklin, Paris. 
 
 To His Wife ^ 
 
 Philad'a, Jan'y 13th 1779 
 
 My Dearest Mary, 
 
 May God grant you a happy New Year, and ease your Anxious 
 thoughts concerning me. Little did I think to have been so Long 
 detained in this place when I left your dear company but such 
 has been my hard fate, that all my endeavours to compleat the 
 busness I came upon has only amounted to a Shaddow without 
 Substance. It is now no Longer kept Secret here, That the Com- 
 
 1 Moylan, Ross, and Williams were United States commercial agents. 
 
 2 From the Gray Papers. 
 
97 
 
 mittee of Congress to whom my affair was commited have given 
 their opinion in my favour and do acknowledge that the treat- 
 ment I have met with, has been most cruel and unjust; but 
 notwithstanding they have Agreed on this more then two months 
 past, yet Such is the Multiplicity of busness, and continual hurry 
 of congress, that no convenient oppertunity has yet offer'd for 
 the committee, to deliver in their report, so as to have the matter 
 finnished by them, So that I am determined (please God) to set 
 out for you in the course of all next week whither it be finnished 
 or not. 
 
 Pray keep the contents of this Letter as much to your self as 
 possible for some weeks to come, least it should awaken the 
 persecuteing Spirit of mine Enemies who have taken all the pains 
 they possibly could by writeing here to prejudice me with the 
 members of congress. 
 
 My Love and blessing and the blessing of God rest on you and 
 my poor children who I fear have begun to feel the want of a 
 father. 
 
 My compliments to Doctor Linn and all Freinds. I have sent 
 by Mr. Brewer the Flour of Zinc which the doctor wrote for so 
 long agon. Your Loveing Husband 
 
 Hector McNeill. 
 
 [Addressed] To Mrs. Mary McNeill, Boston. Favour 'd by Mr. 
 Brewer. 
 
 [Memorandum] January 13 1779. Philedelfe. 
 
 Hector McNeill to Samuel Adams ^ 
 
 Sir, — Although I know that your time is constantly taken up 
 with matters of importance, yet I cannot help begging your atten- 
 tion for a few moments to the case of a person now under distress 
 in this City whose situation formerly I was well acquainted with. 
 
 I believe you are no stranger to the deplorable circumstances 
 our army in Canada were reduc'd to, immediatly after the death 
 of General Montgomrie. 
 
 I my self am a witness, of the amazeing fortitude and perse- 
 verance of that handfull which remained under Gen'l Arnold, who 
 with a number much less than half the Garrison, keept up the 
 
 1 Mass. Hist. Soc. Proc, xu. 276. This letter and the three Paul Jones 
 letters of 1782, printed below, were read to the Society at the October 
 meeting, 1872, by the late William Sumner Appleton, Esq. 
 
98 
 
 Blockade of Quebec for some months untill reinforcements arived 
 from these States: it was at that critical time the General stood 
 in great need of the assistance and friendship of the Canadians, 
 who although they were well disposed towards the american 
 army, and their cause, yet were frightened by their preists, who 
 threatened them with Excommunication, and had actually refused 
 evrey church privelidge to any who served or inclined to serve 
 on the side of the Americans; On this occasion the person above 
 spoken of step'd forth, and offerd his services as a clergey-man for 
 the Canadians, which good pollicy, and the Exigencey of our 
 affairs, inclined the Gen'l to accept, and Mr. Lobenier was accord- 
 ingly appointed chaplain to a Canadian Reg't, much to the satis- 
 faction of those poor men, who thought their eternall fillicity de- 
 pended on the assistance of a priest. 
 
 It is beyound a doubt that the part Mr. Lobenier had taken 
 rendered him obnoxious to the Brittish, consequently he was obliged 
 to quit his native country with our retreating army and throw 
 himself on the mercy of a people whose part he had taken in the 
 darkest hour of their distress. 
 
 Since our arival in this City he has enjoyed, by the Bounty of 
 congress, a small pittance, which has made his Exile Tollerable 
 untill the setting in of the present Winter; but as the times grow 
 worse, even with those who have much greater Resources then 
 this poor gentleman can possibley have, so has it fallen heavyly 
 on him ; for ever since the Last of november he has been retrench'd 
 of fire and candle, which at this pinching season of the year are 
 undoubtedly among the Necessarys of Life; Espacially to a man 
 in his situation, burthened with age, an utter stranger among us, 
 and totally unable even to begg in our Language. 
 
 I know this man as a Gentleman, to belong to one of the Greatest 
 familys in Canada, and as a clergyman I believe the only one of 
 that country honoured with the Religious Cross of Malta; I know 
 also that he enjoyed a Liveing worth between four and five hun- 
 dred pounds sterling a year, besides a Patrimonial Estate, all of 
 which he has Lost through his friendship for the americans. What 
 pitty it is then, that in addition to the sacrifises he has made for 
 our sakes, he should be suffered to pine away in want and misery, 
 during his Exile from his friends and Countrey — in short I am 
 shocked at the idea of the consequences this mans case may pro- 
 duce hereafter; a time may come once more when we may stand 
 in need of the Freindly offices of the Canadians, who I fear in- 
 stead of assisting us, will have reason to take warning, and re- 
 proach us with the unhappy fate of the Refugees from that coun- 
 
99 
 
 try, many of whom are now Exposed to Extream poverty, and 
 Little or no Notice taken of their sufferings. 
 
 I think it my Duty to make you acquainted with Mr. Lobenier's 
 Case in particular, not doubting of your disposition for doing 
 all the Good you can on evrey Occasion. 
 
 I am Sir, with due Respect and Defference, Your most Obed't 
 Servant, 
 
 Hector McNeill. 
 Philadelphia, January 14th, 1779. 
 
 The address " To the Honb'le Samuel Adams " has a pen drawn 
 through it. The letter is labelled, " Copy to Mr. ... on 
 Lobeniers Situation Jany 14th 1779." — Eds.^ 
 
 Report of the Marine Committee ^ 
 
 The Marine Committee to whom was referred the Trial and 
 Sentance of the Court Martial upon Capt. McNeil beg leave to 
 report, 
 
 That after examining with great Care and attention, the 
 several Charges exhibited against Capt. McNeil, and the Deposi- 
 tions of the Witnesses produced to support them, they are of 
 opinion, the Charges are not supported by Evidence, and that the 
 Sentance against Capt. McNeil ought not to be carried into 
 execution.^ 
 
 Amendment. That the Sentance of the Court Martial against 
 Capt McNeil be not caried into execution. 
 
 Memorandum: Report from the Marine Com'ttee on Capt. 
 McNeil's Trial. 
 
 Read Jan'y 15, 1779. An amendment made then whole post- 
 poned. 
 
 Memorial * 
 
 To His Excellency The President of Congress. 
 
 Sir, — The Sacrifice which I chearfully made of a Large intrest 
 in Canada for the sake of my country, and the Impossibility of 
 ever making good any part of that Loss, renders me but Little 
 
 1 Footnote, Proceedings, xn. 276. 
 
 2 Papers of Continental Congress, xxxvn. 163. 
 
 3 This paragraph is crossed out in the original MS. 
 * Papers of tlie Continental Congress. 
 
100 
 
 able to Support the Expences of a journey to this city, and a 
 Residence in it for the Space of eight months; Yet the Reason of 
 my attending upon the Congress, Namely to recover what is dearer 
 to me than Life, my Reputation and Honor, and the confidence I 
 have in the Candour and justice of that Honorable Body, and in 
 mine own Innocence and Integrity, promise me a full Reward 
 for this Expensive Attendance; as soon as the Happy moment 
 Shall arive when Attention can with propriety be given to a Memo- 
 rial which I was permitted to Lay before them in July Last and 
 their Determination can be had thereon. 
 
 It may be a Misfortune to me to be Little known to the Honor- 
 able Members; but I have carefully avoided makeing personal 
 Applications to any of them, Least I might give offence; being 
 Sensible that this was a point of Delicacy, and that they must 
 be jealous of their Honor as I am of my own. I have on the 
 contrary, perhaps too Scrupulously, kept my Self at a distance 
 from them during the whole time that I have been patiently wait- 
 ing their Leisure. 
 
 May I be permitted to say, That when I first enter'd the pub- 
 lick Service in the American Navy, I had a Character unspotted 
 and unsuspected; It might be thought vain if I should add, that 
 my Ability as an officer had been Acknowledged by the best sea 
 officers. Viz Admirals Boscawen, Saunders, Durrell, and Colvil, 
 under each of whom I had served as Commander of an Arm'd 
 Vessell of war, and I flatter my Self Should have been Rewarded 
 with a better Ship, had not my Superior Atachment to this 
 country withdrawn me from that service. 
 
 My Appointment in the continental Navy gave great Satisfac- 
 tion to some of the most Zealous of its Freinds, which unfortu- 
 nately for me they express'd, in such Terms, as tended to render 
 me the Innocent Object of Envy. To attempt to point out the 
 Rocks and Quicksands on which my poor Bark has been Ship- 
 wreck'd, would on this Occasion be impertinent; Although the 
 most Experienced and best officers in the Navy may Suffer the 
 Same Misfortune. I hope however I may be indulged in only Sug- 
 gesting, That by the rules of the British Navy, which perhaps are 
 as well digested as any in the known world, a courtmartial for 
 the trial of a Captain shall consist of captains, who are in full 
 pay and have Ships under their Command. Thus he may be 
 said to be tried by his peers — but for the trial of an officer of 
 the same Rank in the American Navy, it is Otherwise; the court 
 consisting of three captains and three Leiutenants of Ships and 
 three captains and three Leiutenants of Marines — I am by no 
 
lOI 
 
 means Arraigning my court-Martial ; but the circumstance of 
 so great a part of it being not Seamen but Landsmen was mate- 
 rially important in my case; for although I humbly conceive it 
 must be Obvious to any one who Examines the witnesses that 
 appeared against me, that in diverse Material Instances they con- 
 tradicted themselves and each other, my dependance in my deffence 
 was on the Propriety of Navigating the Ship at a Most Critical 
 Juncture, of which those gentlemen with the most upright inten- 
 tions could not possibly form any Judgement. As there is no com- 
 mander in cheife at present in the American Navy, I am deprived 
 of the Benefit which was provided for, by the wisdom of Congress 
 when I was appointed to a Command ; — Namely of Appealing to a 
 most able judicious and impartial Seaman, to determine whither 
 Sentence Should be carried into Execution. Under this circum- 
 stance I was induced to throw my Self on the candour and justice of 
 the Honorable Congress; and it is my most humble and earnest 
 Request that my case may be taken up, considered and finally 
 determined as Speedily as can consist with a Necessairy attention 
 to other Matters of greater publick importance. 
 
 I am Sir with the highest Respect and deference your Most 
 Humble and Obedient Servant 
 
 Hector McNeill. 
 
 Philadelphia Feb'y 15th 1779. 
 To The Honorable John Jay Esq'r 
 President of Congress. 
 
 Petition 
 
 State of Mass'tts Bay. 
 
 To the Hon'ble the Council of the State aforesaid. 
 The Petition of John Tracey and others of Newbury Port 
 Humbly sheweth 
 
 That your Petitioners have fitted out the Brig, called the 
 Pallas burthened One hundred and forty Tons, mounting Sixteen 
 Carriage Guns and navigated by forty five men, 
 
 having on board as Provisions twenty Bis. of Beef and Pork 
 and two thousand W. of bread, 
 
 as Ammunition two hundred W. of Powder and Shot in Pro- 
 portion. 
 
 Said Brig, is intended as a Letter of Marque. 
 
 1 Mass. Arch., clxxi. 164. 
 
102 
 
 Your Petitioners therefore humbly request your Honors to 
 Commission Hector McNeil as Commander of said Brig, for the 
 Purpose above mentioned. And as in Duty bound will ever 
 pray etc. 
 
 Hector McNeill on behalf of the Concerned 
 Boston May 2 2d 1780. 
 
 In Council May 22, 1780 Read and Ordered that Hector McNeill 
 be Commissioned as Commander of the within Vessel, he comply- 
 ing with the Resolves of Congress. 
 
 John Avery, D.S.N. 
 
 [Memorandum] Petition of Hector McNeil in behalf of John 
 Tracey and others of Newbury Port for a Commission for a Letter 
 of Marque, with Order thereon. May 2 2d, 1780. 
 
 Petition ^ 
 
 To his Excellency the Governor and Hon'ble Council of the 
 Commonwealth of Mass'tts. 
 
 The Petition of Hector McNeil and others of Boston 
 Humbly sheweth 
 
 That your Petitioners have fitted out the Ship Adventure bur- 
 then 'd three hundred Tons, mounting Six Carriage Guns and 
 navigated by forty five men, 
 
 having on board as Provisions thirty Bis. of Beef and Pork and 
 thirty hundred of Bread, as Ammunition two hundred W. of 
 Powder and Shot in proportion. 
 
 Said Ship is intended as a Letter of Marque. 
 
 Your Petitioners therefore humbly request your Excellency and 
 Honors to Commission Hector McNeil as Commander for the pur- 
 pose above mentioned. And as in Duty bound will ever pray etc. 
 
 Hector McNeil 
 Boston Nov. 21st 1780. 
 
 In Council Nov'r 22, 1780, Read and Advised That his Ex- 
 cellency Commission Hector McNeill as Com'r of the Ship Adven- 
 ture he complying with the Resolves of Congress. 
 
 Jno. Avery. Sec. 
 
 [Memorandum] Petition of Hector McNeill and others for Com- 
 mission for Ship Adventure and Order. Nov'r 22, 1780. 
 
 ^ Mass. Arch., clxxi. 307. 
 
103 
 Paul Jones to Hector McNeill ^ 
 
 Portsmouth, New Hampshire, March 21st 1782 
 
 I am honored, my dear friend, with your favors of the yth by 
 Post and by Mr. Brown. I need not tell you I am sorry for the 
 difficulties that seem to stand in the way of what I mentioned 
 respecting you to the Minister of Finance and of the Marine; 
 who wrote me he had given Orders to Mr. Brown in consequence. 
 Mr. Brown has not shewn me his Orders, and I cannot ask him 
 how far they extend; but when we take leave of each other I will 
 mention your subject and say everything I can on the occasion. I 
 think he will do whatever may be consistent with his Orders. — 
 I am greatly obliged by your kind intention of honoring me with 
 a visit here. If this could be done consistent with Business, I 
 should be ernest in Urging it; but purely as a compliment to 
 me, however flattering it is, I must not — I cannot expect it. If 
 your Business should bring you to Newbury, it would be easy 
 for me to meet you there; and if you could then conveniently 
 come on with me to Portsmouth to see the America^ and spend 
 a few Days with your Friends here, I should be very happy in 
 your Company. — It is probable that Business may bring me to 
 Boston in the summer, so that I hope to have the pleasure of seeing 
 you at all events before I again leave the Continent. I am happy 
 to hear Mrs. McNeil and your Family are well, and pray you to 
 return them my respectful Compliments. — Excuse the liberty I 
 take of enclosing a Guinea which I pray you to Invest in good 
 Hair Powder, and ship it to my address, on a Coasting Vessel said 
 to be now at Boston and bound here. Entre nous there is none 
 of that Luxury to be had here; except such as is impregnated 
 with Luxurious Mites. I am always Your affectionate 
 
 Paul Jones 
 Hector McNeil, Esq., Boston. 
 
 Paul Jones to Hector McNeill ^ 
 
 Portsmouth, May 25th 1782 
 
 I am honored, my dear friend, with your esteemed favor of 
 the 20th. I am altogether in the dark about what has been done 
 or is doing to re-establish the credit of our Marine. In the 
 
 1 Mass. Hist. Soc. Proc, xn, 277. 
 
 2 The 74-gun Continental ship on the stocks at Portsmouth. 
 
 3 Mass. Hist. Soc. Proc, xn. 278. 
 
104 
 
 course of near Seven Years service I have continually suggested 
 what has occured to me as most likely to promot its honor and 
 render it serviceable to our Cause; but my Voice has been like a 
 cry in the Desert: I know no remedy but patience. No man can be 
 more in suspence than I am — and my reason as well as my feel- 
 ings correspond with yours in lamenting the protraction of Jus- 
 tice to men who have merited the smiles of the Sovereign Author- 
 ity. Whatever I have written or may Write to you on so delicate a 
 Subject must be in confidence — I fondly hope the times will mend, 
 and that Merit and Abilities will yet find encouragement; but 
 were I used ever so ill I determin to persevere, till my Country 
 is Free. When I hear any thing farther I shall not fail to write 
 you, meantime present my affectionate respects to your family 
 and believe me Your 
 
 Paul Jones 
 
 N.B, I duly received the Hair Powder; which is very good 
 and is a great favor. 
 
 Hector McNeil, Esq., Boston. 
 
 Paul Jones to Hector McNeill ^ 
 
 Portsmouth, N. Hampshire, Sept. 17th 1782 
 
 Your Letter, my dear friend, by Monsieur Ravy, was delivered 
 to me by that Gentleman Yesterday. I conducted him and his 
 companion over the River to see the America, but as he departs 
 this morning I am precluded from showing him the attentions 
 due to every recommendation of yours. I expect we shall launch 
 the America within four weeks, and the present prospect of affairs 
 leaves me some room to think I may shortly visit Boston. You 
 will believe the pleasure of seeing you and yours well will not be 
 my least inducement. I am sincerely and affectionately Your 
 friend, 
 
 Paul Jones 
 Hector McNeil, Esq., Boston. 
 
 1 Mass. Hist. Soc. Proc, xn. 279. 
 
105 
 
 From John Paul Jones 
 
 Cape Francois, April 26**^ 1783 ^ 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 After a variety of Storms on the Coast of America in which 
 while we endeavoured without Success first to join the Ships of 
 War from Portsmouth, and then the Fantasque from Rhode Island, 
 having separated from our Convoy, the Squadron arrived on the 
 coast of Portorico. There we learned that Admiral Hood was off 
 this Harbour with Sixteen Ships of the Line. Having cruised and 
 practiced the Tactic Navale off Porto Rico for a week, we took 
 under Convoy part of a Fleet of Store Ships arrived in the Port 
 of S* Johns from France, and steered to the Southward between 
 Porto Rico and the Mona. On the 10*^ Feby the Triomphant 
 Anchored at Porto Cabello in New Spain, having beat to wind- 
 ward many days along the Coast, We found in that Port the 
 two Ships L'Auguste and le Pluton from Portsmouth, and all the 
 rest of the Squadron arrived afterwards except the Bourgougne 
 of 74 Guns that was totally lost on the Coast with 200 of her 
 Officers and Men. The Transports also at last arrived except a 
 few that bore away for this Island and one that was lost on 
 little Curacoa. We remained at Porto Cabello to refit till the s*^ 
 of this Month and then Sailed for this port, having a few days 
 before received by a Frigate from France the glorious and agree- 
 able News of a general Peace. Porto Cabello was the Rendezvous 
 given by Don Salano to the Marquis de Vaudreuil. We found 
 the Spanish Squadron here, they having learned the News of 
 Peace at Porto Rico. The squadron of France and the Army are 
 Ordered for France — that of Spain with thier Army are ordered 
 to the Havannah. I embark to Night in a Vessel bound for Phila- 
 delphia, I shall be happy to hear from you on my arrival there 
 and to be favored with your opinion on the present situation and 
 the most prudent measures to be adopted for the first three Years 
 respecting the formation of our Marine, both as to Officers, Ships ^ 
 and Regulations, as well as materials and building &°, I have 
 not been Idle since I saw you, but have collected many Ideas 
 on the Subject, If I can render you any Acceptable Service at 
 Philadelphia, you will avail of the Occasion of my being there, 
 and if you please you will mention what is done with my Horses, 
 I pray you present my respectful compliments to M" McNeil 
 and your young Ladies, Accept my compliments that the posi- 
 
 1 From the Bostonian Society. 
 
 2 This word is crossed out in the original MS, 
 
io6 
 
 tion of Public Affairs will now enable you to reclaim and withdraw 
 your Interest from Canada, and be assured that no circumstance 
 that concerns you is to me indifferent. It will give you pleasure 
 to know I have been treated with perfect and Uncommon Kindness 
 by all the Admirals, Generals and other officers of the Fleet 
 and Army.^ I am your friend and Servant 
 
 Hector M'^Neil, Esq"" Boston. 
 
 J. Paul Jones 
 
 To John Paul Jones ' 
 
 Boston June nth 1783 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 With inexpressible pleasure I Rec'd your kind Letter of the 
 26th of April, writen at Cape Francois; it came to hand yesterday, 
 and brought me the wellcome News of your health, and your in- 
 tention of returning once more to this continent. 
 
 I thank you for the narrative you have given me of your Late 
 Excursion with the Marquis de Veaudrile and find my self ex- 
 tremely happy, that you are so well pleased with the reception 
 you mett with from the french gentlemen; who it must be 
 acknowledged, are truely polite on all Occasions. 
 
 As to your Horses, Mr. Russell sent them out into the country 
 for keeping, and towards the Spring I sent a certain Colonel Hull 
 (who wanted a pair of Horses) directions where to find them. 
 Whither he liked them or not I cannot say, but I reather think 
 he did not like them, as in case he had Seriously thought of pur- 
 chaseing them he would have call'd upon me again, but Mr. Russell 
 told me that he had a prospect of Selling [them?] to our Mr. 
 Lowell a Member of [illegible] Since which I have said nothing 
 to him about them. 
 
 Your Sleigh I did endeavour to have it brought to Town, but 
 was not able to effect it oweing either to the want of snow, or 
 the infidelity of the several Messengers by whom I sent. 
 
 I shall take an oppertunity of answering the other part of 
 your Letter, and in the mean time assure you of my sincere 
 wishes for your health and prosperity. My family who are in 
 good health Joine with me in those wishes. I am Your freind 
 and Humble Servant 
 
 Hector McNeill. 
 To the Chevelier Jno. Paul [Jones]. 
 
 1 Captain Jones was with the French fleet, on board the flagship of the 
 admiral, Marquis de Vaudreuil. 
 
 2 John Paul Jones mss., Library of Congress. 
 
107 
 
 Henry Knox to Mrs. McNeill^ 
 
 New York 2 October 1787 
 Dear Madam, 
 
 Yesterday I received your favor of the 14th of last month 
 together with the accounts and vouchers, of my much valued 
 friend your late husband. I most willingly undertake the office 
 you have assigned me. I have delivered the papers to the Com- 
 missioner for the marine department and I am flattered with the 
 hope, that in a few days a statement of the accounts will be made. 
 You may rest assured that this business shall be brought to the 
 speediest issue consistent with the essential forms of office. 
 
 In every instance within my power, I should experience real 
 satisfaction, in being able to promote in any degree your interests 
 and those of your family. I am dear Madam with sincere respect 
 Your most obedient humble Servant, 
 
 H. Knox 2 
 Mrs. Mary McNeill. 
 
 New York October loth 1787 ^ 
 Dear Madam, 
 
 I wrote you on the 2d instant that I had received the accounts 
 of your late husband with the United States and that I had de- 
 livered them to the Commissioner of the marine department. 
 
 I now enclose you a statement made by the commissioner which 
 with the explanations accompanying it will point out the difference 
 between it and the account you forwarded. 
 
 Although I had perfect confidence in the equity and abilities of 
 Colonel Walker,^ the commissioner, yet I conceived that it might 
 afford you more solid satisfaction were the accounts also minutely 
 investigated either by me or some other person on your behalf. 
 I employed a gentleman in whom I could confide, who has satisfied 
 me of the accuracy and propriety and even liberality of the settle- 
 ment of Colonel Walker. 
 
 You will find that Captain McNeil overcharged the public 
 with the sum of £4,193.8.0 and that he also credited himself for 
 more than he ought by the amount of £3,246.3.9 and that the 
 difference against him in these debits and credits amount to 
 £947.4.3. which sum when reduced to specie is 1018 ^^ dollars. 
 
 The great article of deduction from the account forwarded is 
 
 1 From the Gray Papers. 
 
 2 General Henry Knox, Secretary of War. 
 
 3 From the Gray Papers. 
 
 * Benjamin Walker, Commissioner of accounts, Marine Department, 
 Continental Congress. 
 
io8 
 
 the commissions amounting to £448.8.11, which has never been 
 allowed in any similar case. 
 
 On the whole the result of the account as stated by the Com- 
 missioner is not different in any considerable degree from the one 
 stated by Captain McNeil of March 30, 1778 and herewith re- 
 turned together with the account settled by Mr. Cushing. 
 
 Captain McNeil stated a balance due him of 6176-5-^ which when 
 liquidated by the scale of depreciation would be 1992-5^ dollars. 
 The sum in specie allow'd by the Commissioner is 2091-5-^ which 
 is more by qS-S^ specie dollars than the liquidated sum stated 
 by Captain McNeil. 
 
 It is to be observed that had not the commissioner seperated 
 the articles of pay and subsistence of Captain McNeil from the 
 general account that the balance of specie would have been less 
 by two thirds than it now is for those articles of the account. 
 
 The article of subsistence is the only article which has been 
 assumed — all the others were supported by evidence in the 
 office: if this article should not be agreeable to you and you 
 can produce satisfactory evidence to make it appear that he was 
 a longer period on shore and will please to forward it, the account 
 will be conformed accordingly as will also any other parts on your 
 producing evidence to support a different statement. 
 
 But if you should consider the account as stated by the Com- 
 missioner as the proper settlement or the best that can be obtained 
 and will signify the same to me I will receive the certificates from 
 him for the balance due and remit them to you by the first oppor- 
 tunity. It is to be observed that the certificates for the balance 
 will be for specie. It is however to be lamented that they are at 
 present most exceedingly below par, but it is the only payment 
 that can be obtained and such as has been given to the late army 
 and all others to whom the United States are indebted. The 
 certificates will bear an interest of 6 per cent from the time the 
 balance became due. 
 
 I am Dear Madam with great sincerity Your most obedient 
 humble Servant 
 
 H. Knox. 
 
 Mr. NoRCROSS exhibited, with brief remarks, the original 
 return of the coroner's jury on the death of Michael Johnson, 
 alias Crispus Attucks. 
 
 Remarks were made during the meeting by Messrs. 
 Dowse, Norcross, and Shattuck.