Letter from William Watson to Colonel Moylan

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Plymouth, December 4, 1775.

SIR: Your much esteemed favour of the 1st instant, per Lieutenant Champion, came to hand at eight o' clock, Saturday evening. I did, without a moment' s loss of time, set out, determined, if it were possible, to get the brigantine to sea next day, which, with the assistance of my good friend, Mr˙ Spooner, I happily effected. After repairing on board the brig Saturday night, inquiring into the cause of the uneasiness among the people, and finding it principally owing to their want of clothing, and after supplying them with what they wanted, the whole crew, to a man, gave three cheers, and declared their readiness to go to sea the next morning. The warm weather at that time, and the news of Captain Manly' s good success, had a very happy influence on the minds of the people. The brig sailed Sunday afternoon, and has had fine weather ever since.

Captain Coit is got from Barnstable, has hauled his schooner on the ways, is now graving and refitting her, will be ready in two days, and is determined to take another cruise in her. His people are contented and behave well.

I have the six negroes now in my care, and shall waft his Excellency' s directions respecting them.

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I have, agreeably to the General' s orders of the 16th ultimo, delivered to Jabez Hatch' s order his bedding and wearing apparel. I found nothing secreted among them.

I would take this opportunity to inform his Excellency, that instead of seven half-joes delivered Captain Coit by Captain Coffin, it was eight half-joes. I have not had opportunity yet to mention this matter to Captain Coit. If Coit has delivered me one more than he received of Coffin, I shall return it to him.

I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant,

WILLIAM WATSON.

Stephen Moylan, Esq.