John Hall to the Board of War

v3:1437

Annapolis, December 27th, 1776.

SIR: We are greatly embarrassed by your request to part with Captain Martin' s vessel. She was purchased by our agent in the West-Indies, and is now claimed by Captain Stone, who hath replaced her, and we have undertaken to indemnify the Sheriff. If we part with her Congress must take the risk off our hands.

Should you want a fast-sailing vessel, there is a brig at Baltimore, taken by the ship Defence, which we ordered our agent to buy for this State. That vessel you may have, if she will suit Congress. We are unwilling to part with Martin' s vessel, she being now laden, and we expect her cargo of coarse woolens, &c˙, now ready at Martinique or Eustatia. However, if the honourable Congress cannot supply them else otherwise, we must let them have the brig and cargo, upon the terms they request, with this addition, that the State ought to be indemnified. We shall keep matters a day or two, in expectation of hearing from you again.

For and on behalf of the Council.

I have the honour to be, your most obedient servant,

J˙ HALL.

To the Hon' ble Benjamin Harrison, Esq˙, President of the Board of War.