Naval Documents of The American Revolution, Volume 1 ... - Ibiblio

AUGUST 1775 1041
Since that time several Vessels have arrived in the Harbor of Boston from
foreign parts with Cargoes of Goods some of which are said to have been discharged
without a Report being made to the proper officer, or the Duties which
were chargeable in any part of the Goods having been paid -
On Account of the Rebellion the Masters of Vessels cannot go to Plymouth,
where the Officers of the Port of Boston have been stationed since the Port Act
took place, nor are the proper Officers allowed by the Rebels to receive the Duties
there
The Army and remaining Inhabitants in the Town of Boston are in great
want of Fuel and Provisions.
The Officers of the Customs stationed at Marblehead for the purpose of
carrying into execution the Boston Port Bill have been obliged to remove from
thence, & that Vessels laden with Fuel & Provisions for the sustenance of the
Inhabitants of Boston can no longer comply with the Regulations of that Act.
The Commissioners of the Customs being desirous of taking the best Measures
for securing His Majesty's Duties and preventing the breach of the Acts of
Trade and Revenue, beg the Opinion of the Gentlemen-
1st Whether it be adviseable that any of the Vessels coming into the
Harbor of Boston may be allowed to dispose of any part of their Cargoes for the
supply of His Majesty's Army or Navy with Necessaries, or for the sustenance of
the Inhabitants of Boston?
Answered unanimously in the affirmative -
2d Whether the Gentlemen would advise the Commissioners of the Customs
to remove the Officers of the Customs of the Port of Boston, now at Plymouth,
to Boston? -
Answered unanimously in the affirmative.
1. Gage Papers, CL.
MINUTES OF THE CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY
[Lebanon] Wednesday, 2nd August 1775.
At a Meeting of the Governor and Committee or Council of Safety this day
The committee appointed at the last meeting about the armed vessels &c.
having performed the journey and business to which they were directed and
instructed made a full verbal report of their journey, viewing, conversation and
doings concerning armed vessels &c., what they have viewed, the terms on which
they made be had, the opinion of gentlemen in various towns, who are concerned
in navigation, about the measure of fitting out any &c.; from which it
appears sundry vessels may be had on reasonable terms, but none can be found
perfectly accomodated for war vessels &c.; that the people are differently minded
about the measure, many thinking that as it is impossilble for us to compare by sea
with the British ships &c., it will but provoke insult and expose our sea coasts
and vessels inward bound to greater dangers, &c., - others, that it will be of
advantage and a protection &c.
The subject largely discoursed, and it being a measure resolved by the
General Assembly &c., doubt whether they have right to suspend it, even tho'
they should think it best &c. And on the question do agree and conclude to take