Captain Montague to Captain Squire, of his Majesty' s Ship Otter

v2:1692

Fowey, Hampton Roads, July 20, 1775.

SIR: Joseph Harris, the bearer of this letter, has applied to me for protection, as the people of Hampton and some other places have threatened his destruction, as they have found him to have given intelligence concerning a smuggling schooner, which was seized in Cherry-Stone Creek. As the Fowey will soon leave the Province, I think him too useful to His Majesty' s service to take away, he being well acquainted with many creeks on the Eastern Shore, at York, James River, and Nansemond, and many others, and of course a very useful person, especially in tenders, as he is not acquainted with the duties of a seaman, but accustomed to pilot, as he had a boat for that use, which is now detained by violence in Hampton harbour. He has always appeared very sober and prudent, is a freeman, and I could wish strongly to recommend him to such indulgence as his endeavours may merit. Agreeable to my Lord Dunmore' s application, I have sent up the Arundel, and Mr˙ Atkinson her officer, and will send Mr˙ Ruth in the Liberty. I have taken such stores and hawser out of the Arundel as belonged to the Crown when with me employed on His Majesty' s service, and have fitted her with her real private property.

I am, dear Sir, your very humble servant,

GEORGE MONTAGUE.