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

AUGUST 1775 1121
We must have her up to Baltimore. Under these circumstances, the work being
tedious, we are apprehensive the Vessel cannot be finishd previous to the loth
of September. It is our wish to make Rules formed for the benefit of the Community,
our line of Conduct, nor would we, we assure you Gentlemen, under any
specious pretences, endeavour to infringe them. Our situation is a very peculiar
one. We beg you will take it into consideration, and allow us, if nDt in our power
to do it before, to reload the above Cargo after the 10th of September. The
Vessel & Cargo shall be cleared out before. To obviate every suspicion that
may arise of intentions to counteract the general Resolves, we desire to be sworn
as to the fitness, and condition of the Vessel to take in her Cargo at the time of
her going from Baltimore to Potowmack.
We know the arduous business in which you are now engaged Gentlemen
must take up much of your attentions; - We are sorry to be an interruption to it,
but hope our situation will be a sufficient apology, as well as further excuse us, in
desiring your speedy directions in this business. The Condition of the Vessel
being such as to render some immediate steps necessary to be taken with her.
We are with respect,'
Gentlemen [&c.] Willm Lux Mattw Ridley
1. Md. Arch., Red Book, No. 13.
2. The Maryland Convention received the letter the same day, and came to the following
decision: "Resolved, that the prayer of the said memorial be granted, on proof of the
allegations therein being made to the Committee of observation for Baltimore County,
who are hereby empowered to examine and take the said proof, and if the said Vessel
shall not be reladen and depart before 10th day of September next, then oath to be
made before her departure, by the Captain and Mate, that no commodities, goods, wares
or merchandise, is or shall be laden on board for Exportation, other than such as shall
have been laden on Board, as part of her Cargo, before the said 10th day of September,
and shall have been relanded". Browne, ed., Arch. of Md., XI, 13, 14.
[Extract] Norfolk Augt. 1 1 th 1 775
Dr Sir I recivd your favors of the 1 lth & 25th ulto the Accounts of your Safe
Arrival1 afforded us great pleasure I intended writting you by Capt Hudson,
but he Slipt of[f] too Soon for me - . . . I propose, to pay you a visite, this
Winter from the present Prospects I am affraid we shall have a very disagreeable
time of it here, we expect that this Town will soon be garison'd either with
Regulars or Provincials; Should it become the Seat of either it will be equally
Disagreeable to the Inhabitants, & make property very precarious . . .
I observe what you Say concerning the Scheme of Lodging Crops in Bermuda.
- for the time, our Convention has putt a stop, to it by laying a prohibition,
on the Exportation of all Artcles of Provisions, but Corn, which only Continues
till the 10th Septr this they did on a Supposition, that there had been agents
employd to buy up those Articles for the use of General [Thomas] Gage's Army,
but which I believe was without foundation, but I believe its not very likely
that our Ports will again be. open'd until1 our Accomodation takes place and
indeed I am not without some Apprehensions of your Suffering in Bermuda,
unless, the General1 Congress, grants your Petition of allowing you necessary