Letter from William Sever to the Massachusetts Council

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Kingston, July 24, 1776.

DEAR SIR: The brigantine Independence being now nearly ready for sea, Captain Samson waits on your Honour for his commission, and such instruction for his conduct as may be thought proper.

As from the time which has elapsed since the evacuation of Boston, I apprehend we cannot expect to find British merchant ships on the coast of this Colony, and British ships-of-war having withdrawn themselves, allow me, sir, to suggest the expediency, in my opinion, of giving him such latitude in his orders as will authorize his cruising in the path of the homeward bound West India trade, at least a part of the time he may be abroad.

Captain Samson does not think the half ton of powder which he has received is by any means sufficient. I am informed the person who received it was told that it was as much as had been ordered by the brigantine at Dartmouth; but it is said that about half a ton of powder, which was stored at Dartmouth, has been received on board said brigantine, in addition to what was received at Watertown. If you, sir,

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I am, respectfully, sir, your very humble servant,
W˙ SEVER.

To the Hon˙ James Bowdoin, Esq˙, President of the Council, at Watertown.