Robert H. Harrison to William Watson

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ROBERT H˙ HARRISON TO WILLIAM WATSON.

Cambridge, February 1, 1776.

SIR: Your favour of the 29th ultimo, is come to hand. There must be an inquiry made into the conduct of that Captain, who so shamefully deserted his Commodore. Please to let the General know which of the schooners it was.

The General thinks it will be proper that the Captains of these vessels prove upon oath their private property; after which you may deliver to them all except the beef and pork, which he thinks most probably belongs to the vessels. If it does not, it is clear that they must be meant for supplying the enemy. Upon that principle, he does not think it will be proper to give them unto the Captains.

His Excellency has no objections to these gentlemen' s returning to Plymouth; nor has he any objections to their disposing of the checks and baize at your place, if they choose it. He is pleased that the schooners got under way. Yours, &c.

To William Watson, Esq˙, Plymouth.