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

SEPTEMBER 1775
As I approached towards them Mr Graves advanced Several paces, and desired
to know why I had not met him in consiquence of the messages he had sent me, that
he wished to speak with me on the same business, and desired me to retire with
him to the next wharfe, Where the vessel laid which he now commands, I told
him that having no dispute with him, I had nothing to say to him upon the
subject of the controversy between the Admiral and me - he then began to insult
me with abusive language, I expostulated with him upon the impropriety of
his Conduct in taking any part in that affair, intimating that I had been ill used
by the Admiral, and that he was the only person I was answerable to, adding that
the Admiral was fully able to do himself justice without the aid of any other
person, and that I was greatly surprised to find him accompanyYd by so many people,
with an apparent intent as I conceived to do me an injury - After some
farther altercation between us in the course of which I told him very freely my
opinion of the part he had taken, - and upon the master of the Custom house
schooner, remonstrating with him upon his indecent and ungentleman like conduct,
he thought proper to withdraw towards his Vessel with his adherents.
Returning into town in my way to Mr Barch's in company with Mr George
Leonard, I was met in Cornhill near the bottom of School street, by Leiutenant
Samuel Graves, who passed me with a lowering look, and without speaking or
the appearance of an intention to do me mischief, came behind me, and struck
me a violent blow on the back part of my head, with a bludgeon which he had
in his hand - the, blow for a time stunned me and deprived me of the power
of an immediate reply - I recovered soon, and found him drawing his Sword,
and retreating as 1 advanced. Being unarmed, I reproached him with his
cowardly behavour, and desired him to throw aside his Sword, asking him the
cause of his ruffian treatment, - he said it was because I had insulted the Commander
in Chief of the Squadron. - The high Sherriff and others coming up and
interposing, - we were parted, - but not without an apparent disapprobation and
indignation at his conduct by all the standers by, both military & civil, and this
morning I received a Challange from him by a lieutenant of the Preston.
Your Excellency will now perceive the precarious situation and predicament
in which I am involved by making a demand of my own property, for expostulating
with Admiral Graves on his oppression, I received a blow for returning that
blow, I have been way laid - abused - struck and challenged by his Nephews,
and what is to folluw, is yet to be discovered. I am not at liberty to suppose that
a Gentleman of Admiral Graves high rank cou'd have any knowledge or participation
in such mean and infamous attempts upon my life. If he shou'd feel himself
injured from any thing that has passed between us he knows well how to do
himself justice, at a proper Season, And I shou'd think that he must also feel
and resent the outrage offered by others in his defence.
To your Excellency I appeal for the Justice of my cause, not doubting
but you will take such measures, as may in their operation procure me ample
reperation for the unmerited abuse and ill treatment I have received, and protection
from any farther attacks from ruffians. I am Sir [&.]
Benn Hallowell
1. Gage Papers, CL.