Primary tabs

Letter from General Washington to William Watson

v1:107

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO WILLIAM WATSON.

New York, July 7, 1776.

SIR: I received yours of the 19th ultimo, and directed the papers you wrote for to be transmitted you, but find, upon inquiry, they are not among any in my possession now. Colonel Moylan, who used generally to receive and examine the papers appertaining to the prizes, being called upon, says that previous to his departure from Cambridge, he made up all the prize papers, and put them in such a channel as he thought most likely to convey them to the different agents. He supposes these were with the rest; he cannot recollect to whom they were delivered. If they cannot be got, you must try the legality of the captures upon such evidence as you can collect from the men who were in the vessels when they were taken, and from other circumstances. If they were

v1:108

going to Nova Scotia for the purpose mentioned by the claimants, I presume it will not be difficult for them to prove it by witnesses. I am, sir, your humble servant,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

To William Watson, Esq˙, Plymouth.

Share