Bartlett: Destruction of the Gaspee

Gaspee Virtual Archives

A NOTE ON THE TEXT

Copyright laws must've been lame in 1861 when John Bartlett pretty much plagiarized the work of Judge Staples' Documentary History of the Destruction of the Gaspee, written only 16 years earlier. But Bartlett's text is exceedingly hard to find in the year 2004, so we present it here to aid in scholarly citations. To be honest, Staples, particularly the 1990 republication by the RI Historical Publications Society, is a more honest read. John Russell Bartlett (1805-1880) was a historian most noted for publishing the multi-volume Records of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations between 1856 and 1865. He married the daughter of the prominent General Christopher Rhodes, and lived in Pawtuxet Village. It is no wonder then that he had a particular fondness for the retelling of the Gaspee Affair.

The following text of The Destruction of the Gaspee is reprinted from the edition published in Providence by A. Crawford Greene in 1861. Rather than rescan and OCR the entire text, we used as a starting point, the 1991 republication of Staples, Documentary History of the Destruction of the Gaspee, presented also at this web site. Paragraph structure and page numbers were altered to match that found in Bartlett's presentation. His relatively few original comments were either typed in directly, or scanned in to the text at the appropriate places, all of which are presented in <Arial bold font>, and his footnotes are presented in <Bold Times font>. Orphaned text has been completed into the page of origin. Otherwise, the texts follow their original printed sources as closely as the present format allows.

Antique words and phraseology were maintained as best as possible, but will come up as errors in grammar checks and spell checks or modern word processing programs, so be advised. It is also to be noted that the spellings of some words used in Staples' account are consistently misspelled by year 2004 standards, but which were presumably correctly spelt in 1773, e.g., 'despatched' and 'enquiry.' Please understand that neither myself or the Gaspee Days Committee can take any responsibility for errors of omission or commission in converting the text into HTML format.

And further, this despondant saeth not.

Dr. John Concannon
Webmaster, Gaspee Virtual Archives, August, 2004.
webmaster@gaspee.org

A History
of the Destruction
of
His Britannic Majesty's
Schooner Gaspee,
In Narragansett Bay,
On the 10th of June 1772:
Accompanied by the
Correspondence Connected Therewith; The Action of
the General Assembly of Rhode Island Thereon,
and the
Official Journal of the Proceedings
of the
Commission of Inquiry Appointed by King George
the Third, on the Same.

by
John Russell Bartlett,
Secretary of State

Providence:
A. Crawford Greene, Printer to the State.
1861.

by
John Russell Bartlett,
Secretary of State

Providence:
A. Crawford Greene, Printer to the State.
1861.

The Destruction of the Gaspee

One hundred and twenty-five copies printed for private distribution.

5.

THE DESTRUCTION OF THE GASPEE.

[THE proceedings of the General Assembly, relative to the destruction of the British schooner Gaspee, in the waters of Narragansett Bay, on the night of the 9th June, 1772, will be found in the records of the August session of that year. What followed, connected with this important event in the colonial annals of Rhode Island, extends through this, and a part of the following year. In presenting this history to the public, the editor, has brought the whole of the proceedings together, including the events which preceded the destruction of that vessel. This will present a continuous account of the affair, with the accompanying documents, from the time it occurred, to the report of the royal commission of inquiry on the same.

The correspondence and most of the documents herewith printed, are preserved in the original, among the archives of the State, and are chronologically arranged and bound in one volume.

In 1846, the Hon. William R. Staples caused these documents to be printed in the columns of the Providence Journal, with preliminary observations. He also interspersed the various documents with his own remarks, in order to present a plain and continuous "Documentary History" of the destruction of the Gaspee. This was afterwards printed in a pamphlet form; but has long been out of print.

To these various documents, the present secretary of state, and editor of the Colonial Records, has been enabled to add several letters and documents of great interest which were not previously among the State archives, and which had never been printed. For several of these, he is indebted to the kindness of his friend, the Hon. George Bancroft, who procured copies of the originals on file in Her Majesty's state paper office, London. The others are from a variety of sources, including that great depository of historical documents. Copies of these several papers, have now been procured, and deposited in their proper places among the "Gaspee document," referred to. Among the most important of these new documents, are letters from Admiral Montagu to the Earl of Hillsborough; letters from Chief Justice Horsmanden, of New York, one of the royal commissioners of inquiry into the Gaspee affair, to the Earl of Dartmouth, giving an account of the proceedings of the court; and the official report of inquiry to the King, about the burning of the Gaspee.]—J. R. B.

6.

The records of the proceedings and the correspondence of the preceding years, show that an illicit trade had long been carried on, not only in Rhode Island, but in the other English colonies. They show, too, that efforts had been repeatedly made by the commissioners of customs, to put a stop to this practice, by placing armed vessels in Narragansett Bay, and at other places along the coast, from Casco Bay to Cape Henlopen, in 1764. Serious riots, too, had, in several instances occurred, in consequence of the vigilance of the custom house officers, in their endeavors to check this illicit trade.

The vessel assigned to this station, in 1764, by the King's authority, was the schooner St. John, Lieut. Hill, commander. This vessel seized the cargo of a brig, which had discharged near Howland's Ferry, and following her at sea, made a prize of her, and brought her to Newport. Other difficulties, which grew out of her presence, at Newport, led to the fitting out of an armed sloop, with the intention of destroying her, which was only prevented by the presence of the "Squirrel" man of war, in that harbor. Nevertheless, the people on board the sloop landed on Goat Island, seized the battery, and discharged its guns at the large ship.

During the same year, another event took place in the har-bor of Newport, which tended greatly to exasperate the peo-ple. The Maidstone, a vessel belonging to the British navy, lay here, several months, and gave great dissatisfaction, by im-pressing seamen from vessels entering the harbor, as well as in taking them from the boats and small craft in the bay, Other ships of the royal navy, which visited Newport, also had difficulties with the people there, all of which tended to arouse them, and lead to some measures of retaliation. The climax was reached, when a brig from Africa, entering the port, was boarded by the officers from the Maidstone, and her entire crew pressed into the naval service. The same night, a mob of about five hundred men and boys, exasperated by the affair, seized one of the boats belonging to the Maidstone, which lay at the wharf, pulled her on shore, and after dragging her through the streets to the Common, in front of the court house, burnt her, amid the shouts of an immense crowd, which the occasion had brought together.

7.

The affair was so suddenly concocted and carried into effect, that the authorities had no time to interfere.

The next important event in order, in resisting the authority of the government in its efforts to suppress illicit trade, was the affair of the armed sloop Liberty, Capt. Reid, which the commissioners of the customs had sent to Newport, in 1769. This officer had exhibited an extraordinary zeal in executing the orders he had received, and had greatly annoyed vessels entering our ports.

On the 17th July, while cruising in Long Island Sound, he took a brig and a sloop, belonging to Connecticut, which he suspected had been engaged in illicit trade, and brought them to Newport. The commander of the brig, Capt. Packwood, it appeared, had duly reported his cargo at the custom, house, before sailing, and no proof was exhibited that he had made any attempt to evade the revenue. On the 19th, as no charges had been made, or prosecution entered against the brig, Packwood went on board the Liberty. The captain be-ing absent, some difficulty took place, which led to the firing of several musket balls at Capt. Packwood's boat on her re-turn to the shore. Obtaining no redress for this outrage, the people of Newport boarded the obnoxious vessel, cut her cables, and suffered her to drift on shore, near Long Wharf. They then cut away her masts, threw her armament overboard, when, with the first high tide, she drifted over to Goat Island. The first night she lay here, a party from Newport, went over and burnt her.

His Majesty's armed schooner, the Gaspee, of eight guns, Lieut. Dudingston, accompanied by the Beaver, made their ap-pearance in the waters of Narragansett Bay, in March, 1772, on duties similar to those of the "St. John" and 'Liberty," to which allusion has been made, viz.: to prevent breaches of the revenue laws, and to stop the illicit trader so long and so success fully carried on in the colony.

8.

The commander of the Gaspee was quite as exacting as Capt. Reid of the Liberty had been. He stopped all vessels, including small market boats, without showing his authority for so doing; and even sent the property he had illegally seized, to Boston, for trial, contrary to an act of Parliament, which required such trials to be held in the colonies where the seizures were made. In these acts, Dudingston had clearly transcended his powers. Shortly after the Gaspee had commenced her illegal proceedings, the complaints from the people of Providence were so numerous to the Deputy Governor, Darius Sessions, that he submitted the question to Chief Justice Hopkins, who did not hesitate to give his opinion, "that no commander of any vessel has a right to use any au-thority in the body of the colony, without previously applying to the Governor, and showing his warrant for so doing; and also being sworn to a due exercise of his office." Upon re-ceiving this opinion, the Deputy Governor, who then resided in Providence, addressed the following letter to Governor Joseph Wanton, at Newport:

The Deputy Governor to the Governor of Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, March 21, 1772.

SIR:—The inhabitants of this town have, of late, been much disquieted in their minds, by repeated advices being brought of a schooner which for some time past hath cruised in the Narragansett Bay and much disturbed our Navigation. She suffers no vessel to pass, not even packet boats, or others of an inferior kind, without a strict examination, and where any sort of unwillingness is discovered, they are compelled to submit, by an armed force. Who he is and by what authority he assumes such a conduct, it is thought needs some inquiry, and I am requested, by a number of gentlemen of this town, on their behalf, to acquaint your Honor therewith, and that you would take the matter into consideration and, if the commander of that schooner, has not as yet made proper application and been duly authorized in his proceedings, that some proper measures be taken to bring him to account.

It is suspected he has no legal authority to justify his conduct, and his commission, if he has any, is some antiquated paper, more of a fiction than any thing else, and this seems to be confirmed by Mr. Thomas Greene, who says he saw it, and believes it to be no other than the commission the famous Reid had, who lost his sloop at Newport, or something else of no validity.

In consequence of the above mentioned application, I have consulted with the Chief Justice Hopkins thereon, who is of opinion, that no commander of any vessel has any right to use any authority in the body of the colony without previously applying to the Governor and showing his warrant for so doing and also being sworn to a due exercise of his office—and this he informs me has been the common custom in this Colony.

I am, sir, &c, &c,

DARIUS SESSIONS.

To GOV. WANTON.

The letter led to the following correspondence between the Governor and the commanding officer of the schooner:

The Governor of Rhode Island to the Commander of the Gaspee

NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND. March 22, 1772

SIR:—A considerable number of the inhabitants of this colony have complained to me of your having, in a most illegal and unwarrantable manner, interrupted their trade, by searching and detaining every little packet boat plying between the several towns. As I know not by what authority you assume this power, I have sent off the high sheriff, to inform you of the complaint exhibited against you, and expect that you do, without delay, produce me your commission and instructions, if any you have, which was your duty to have done when you first came within the jurisdiction of this colony.

I am your humble servant,

J. WANTON.

To the commanding officer of a schooner near Brenton's Point

Lieut. Dudingston to the Governor of Rhode Island

GASPEE, Rhode Island, March 23, 1772.

SIR:—Last night, I received your letter informing me that a "number of the inhabitants of this colony had complained" to you of my having "in a most illegal and unwarrantable manner interrupted their trade, by searching and detaining every little packet boat, plying between the several towns."

In answer to which, I have done nothing but what was my duty, and their complaint can only be founded on their ignorance of that. When I waited on you, on my arrival, I acquainted you of my being sent to this government to assist the revenue. I had my commission to show you if required, as it was ever understood by all his Majesty's governors I have had the honor to wait on, that every officer commanding one of his Majesty's vessels was properly authorized and never did produce it, unasked for. The officer I send is equally qualified, and has been in the boats in boarding most of the vessels, and can give any information relative to my proceeding.

Sir, your humble servant,

W. DUDINGSTON.

To Governor Wanton

10.

The Governor of Rhode Island to Lieut. Dudingston

NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND, MARCH 23, 1772

SIR:—Yours of this day I have received, which does not give me that satisfaction I had a right to expect; neither was the bearer of the letter qualified to give me any authentic information respecting the legality of that authority you have presumed to exercise within this colony. I expect that you do, without delay, comply with my request of yesterday; and you may be assured, that my utmost exertions shall not be wanting to protect your person from any insult or outrage, on coming ashore.

I am your humble servant,

J. WANTON.

To Mr. W. Dudingston, of the Schooner Gaspee.

With this, the correspondence between the Governor Wanton and Lieut. Dudingston ended. The Lieutenant's sense of propriety was evidently shocked by the letters from Governor Wanton, and of his peremptory demand to exhibit to him his commission and instructions. He seems to have believed that the authority from which his commission emanated, was paramount to that of the colonial governor. He therefore enclosed the letters of Governor Wanton, together with his own, to Admiral Montagu, at Boston, who was then in command of His Majesty's fleet on this station. The Admiral plainly espoused the side of Dudingston, and feeling his own dignity wounded at the demand of the Governor on his lieutenant, addressed the insolent letter, which follows, to Gov. Wanton:

Admiral Montagu to the Governor of Rhode Island

BOSTON, 8th April, 1772

SIR:—Lieutenant Dudingston, commander of his Majesty's armed schooner, and a part of the squadron under my command, has sent me two letters he received from you of such a nature I am at a loss what answer to give them, and ashamed to find they come from one of his Majesty's governors. He informs me that he waited upon you and showed you the admiralty and my orders for his proceedings, which, agreeable to his instructions, he is to do, that you may be acquainted that he is on that station to protect your province from pirates and to give the trade all the assistance he can, and to endeavor, as much as lays in his power, to protect the revenue officer, and to prevent (if possible) the illicit trade that is carrying on at Rhode Island. He, sir, has done his duty and behaved like an officer, and it is your duty as a governor, to give him your assistance, and not endeavor to distress the King's officers for strictly complying with my orders.

11.

I shall give them directions, that, in case they receive any molestation in the execution of their duty, they shall send every man so taken in molesting them, to me. I am also informed, the people of Newport talk of fitting out an armed vessel to rescue any vessel the King's schooner may take carrying on an illicit trade. Let them be cautious what they do; for as sure as they attempt it, and any of them are taken, I will hang them as pirates. I shall report your two insolent letters to my officer, to his Majesty's secretaries of state, and leave them to determine what right you have to demand a sight of all orders I shall give to all officers of my squadron, and I would advise you not to send your sheriff on board the King's ship again, on such ridiculous errands. The captain and lieutenants have all my orders to give you assistance whenever you demand it, but further you have no business with them, and, be assured, it is not their duty to show you any part of my orders or instructions to them.

I am, sir, &c, &c

J. MONTAGU.

To Governor Wanton

This produced the following dignified and spirited answer:

The Governor of Rhode Island to Admiral Montagu

RHODE ISLAND, May 8, 1772.

SIR:—Your letter dated April the 8th at Boston, I have received. Lieutenant Dudingston has done well in transmitting my letters to you, which I sent him; but I am sorry to be informed there is any thing contained in them that should be construed as a design of giving offence, when no such thing was intended. But Mr. Dudingston has not behaved so well in asserting to you "he waited on me and showed me the admiralty and your orders for his proceedings which agreeable to his instruction he is to do," but in that he has altogether misinformed you, for he, at no time, ever showed me any orders from the admiralty or from you, and positively denied that he derived any authority either from you or the commissioners; therefore, it was altogether out of my power to know, whether he came hither to protect us from pirates, or was a pirate himself. —You say "he has done his duty and behaved like an officer." In this I apprehend you must be mistaken, for I can never believe it is the duty of any officer, to give false information to his superiors. As to your attempt to point out what was my duty as Governor, please to be informed, that I do not receive instructions for the administration of my government, from the King's admiral stationed in America.

You seem to assert that I have endeavored to distress the King's officer, for strictly complying with your orders. In this you are altogether mistaken, for I have at all times heretofore, and shall constantly for time to come, afford them all the aid and assistance in my power in the execution of their office.

The information you have received "that the people of Newport talked of fitting out an armed vessel to rescue any vessel the King's schooner might take carrying on an illicit trade," you may be assured is without foundation, and a scandalous imposition, for upon inquiring into this matter, I cannot find that any such design was ever made, or so much as talked of, and, therefore, I hope you will not hang any of his Majesty's subjects belonging to his colony upon such false information.

12.

I am greatly obliged for the promise of transmitting my letters to the secretary of state. I am, however, a little shocked at your impolite expression made use of upon that occasion; in return for this good office, I shall also transmit your letter to the secretary of state, and leave to the King and his ministers to determine on which side the charge of insolence lies.

As to your advice not to send the sheriff on board any of your squadron, please to know, that I will send the sheriff of this colony at any time, and to any place, within the body of it, as I shall think fit.

In the last paragraph of your letter you are pleased flatly to contradict what you wrote in the beginning; for there you assert that Dudingston, by his instructions, was directed to show me the admiralty and your orders to him, and here you assert, that I have no business with them, and assure me that it is not his duty to show me them or any part thereof. I am, sir, &c, &c
J. WANTON.

To Admiral Montagu

The Governor laid the proceeding letter from Admiral Montagu before the General Assembly, at their May session 1772, and the following resolution passed that body in relation to the answer sent to the Admiral.

"Resolved, That His Honor the Governor be requested to transmit a copy of the written letter to Admiral Montagu, and likewise , that his Honor, the Governor, be requested to transmit to the secretary of state, a narration, containing the proceedings referred to in said letter, together with a copy of the Admiral's letter, as soon as may be, and that he present a copy thereof to this Assembly at the next session of the same."

The letter of the Governor led to some further correspondence between the admiral and the lieutenant, of which only the following letter is found among the archives:

Lieut. Dudingston to Admiral Montagu.

Schooner Gaspee, Rhode Island
May 22, 1772

SIR:—I have received your letters of the 14th and 18th inst and copy of commissioners to you. By theirs, I see plainly, I cannot look to them to be supported for sending the sloop and rum to Boston, notwithstanding I was assured by their officers at this port, no seizure could be safe with them. There was only the alternative to send her or remain in this harbor and guard twelve hogsheads of rum, a bait, the inhabitants of this government would willingly put in my way, if that could fix the schooner.

13.

I was not, at the time, ignorant of the statute to the contrary, but never doubted if the sloop got safe I should be supported by them, as I informed the board.

The owner of the rum resided in Coventry, which is but little further from Boston than Newport, of course could, at as little expense, defend his property at the one as the other. As I find the exigencies not considered, but law referred to by them, for the future shall take care not to act repugnant to it, let what may be the consequence. If I should have any doubt about that, will take the opinion recommended to their officers relative to the officers in the Navy being arrested here by the Attorney General. I shall also be on my guard not to put it in their power to arrest me or any officer under my command in this government.

What passed between the governor and me was, near as I can recollect, what follows. The morning after my arrival from Boston was when I first saw him.

Lieut D.—Sir, I command his majesty's schooner Gaspee, and am ordered into this government by Admiral Montagu, to assist the revenue.

Governor—Is it the schooner Capt. Allen commanded? (meaning the Lieutenant I superseded.)

Lieut..—Yes.

Governor—We have had many different schooners here lately, (mentioning the Sultana, St. John and Halifax.)

Lieut.—Yes; and you may remember me here about two years ago when the Colonels Dalrymple and Robinson came with me. (I am not sure whether he said he did or not.)

Governor—What vessel was that which seized the Packet?

I told him whom she was commanded by and belonged to, and my being there at the time, and said, it would not have happened had the officer come near the Gaspee, which was his duty, with more on the subject too trivial for you to hear. He then related the conduct of the collector and Mr. Reid, late commander of the custom house sloop Liberty, and said it was in their power to have saved her before she had received much damage, and said he would not mind what they represented concerning him, if they had told facts. I said I had heard it otherwise mentioned, but hoped I should meet with no difficulty in the execution of my duty.

Governor—You may depend on my support and assistance.

I then observed, it was not clear to me, if I made a seizure it would be safe.

Governor—I will do all in my power.

I then instanced what had been the fate of one made by the officers of the port a little before, and added, I did not think if I made one I should put it to the trial.

Governor—I suppose you will be much here. I shall always be glad to see you.

Lieut. D.—I shall be where I find I can best execute the service.

I was much obliged to him.

Governor—I hope, Captain, we shall have a good understanding.

I said it was my wish, and should give him as little trouble as possible. Much was said about his government and police, but never did he ask me to show my orders, or even mention them. The weather kept me some days in the harbor, and I was in company with some of his friends, but never heard my authority questioned, till I sent the sloop to Boston, on my return here, at which time I gave him my reason in a letter, a copy of which I enclose to you, for not showing my orders, as he, till then, had never required me to do so, at which time I sent them by an officer, which I informed you of.

14.

I must now beg leave to observe, if he had asked me to show my orders, is it possible I should behave so much unlike an officer and gentleman in telling a falsehood, by doing which I must be ruined as an officer and in reputation forever? The fallacy is easily seen when it is considered, the only thing that makes the schooner respected, is said to be denied by me. Had such an assertion come from a private character, I should hope for reparation for an attempt to wound my reputation as an officer. In my present situation I have only to hope my person will be respected as an officer as much as any Governor, who can make it appear by no better evidence than an old woman and clerk in the naval office, and not in the station of a gentleman, and I do not think either would be base enough to witness so great a falsehood.

As to his letter, it cannot be looked upon as his, but the Assembly's, where it was put to the vote to answer your letter or not. They were all for the answer, the Governor alone, for sending it to Lord Hillsborough.

Mr. Greene is one of the house, the owner of the rum. I could expect no quarter from people of that stamp. On the 20th the sloop was condemned. I have taken the liberty to enclose my letter to the Commissioners for your perusal, open, as it was the intention of the people here to have the sloop sold in the manner they have been used to, which always falls into the old owners' hands without opposition. I hope soon to have the board's answer to determine her destination.

I am, sir, &c, &c,

W. DUDINGSTON

To Admiral MONTAGU

At the next session of the Assembly, which was in August following, and to which reference is made in Colonial Records, Vol. VII, p. 51, Governor Wanton presented a copy of his letter to the secretary of state, which was as follows:

The Governor of Rhode Island to the Earl of Hillsborough.

NEWPORT, Rhode Island, May 20, 1772.

MY LORD:—In conformity to a vote of the General Assembly of this colony, I herewith transmit Your Lordship a copy of a letter I received from Admiral Montagu and the answer: They have also requested me to transmit to your Lordship a narrative of all the proceedings referred to in said letter.

As Admiral Montagu has endeavored to fix a stigma on my character and administration as Governor of this Colony, by charging me with attempting to distress the King's officers from strictly complying with his orders, Your Lordship will indulge me with giving a short account of my proceedings, by which the ungenerous accusation of Admiral Montagu will, I flatter myself, appear not to have the least foundation in truth.

On the 21st of March last, a number of the inhabitants of this colony, gentlemen of established character, and whose loyalty to their sovereign is not to be questioned, exhibited to me a complaint in writing, that a certain schooner was cruising in the Narragansett river, boarding every vessel and boat that passed, and otherwise interrupting them in the pursuit of their lawful business; and not knowing by what authority the persons belonging to said schooner exercised that power within the body of the colony, requested me to make such enquiry concerning the same as was consistent with law.

It, therefore, became my indispensable duty, in order to satisfy the complaints, to demand of the commanding officer of said schooner, the reason of his thus acting, and whether he was vested with such power as would justify his proceedings, which produced my letter to him of the 22d of March. It was answered by Wm. Dudingston, of the schooner Gaspee, but, as he did not give me that satisfaction I conceived I had an indisputable right to expect, I wrote another letter, whereupon he sent me by one of his officers, an order from the Lords of the Admiralty, for his commanding the schooner Gaspee; also their letter to the commissioners at Boston requesting that board to give him a deputation in the customs, both which I returned to the officer in the same hour he brought them, without attempting in the least to distress or oppose him in the execution of his duty.

This, my Lord, is a true state of facts, and, I believe, your Lordship is convinced that, in my proceedings, I have done nothing but what was my duty, and that Admiral Montagu's accusation is as groundless as it is illiberal.

When I wrote my first letter, I do upon honour declare, that I did not know whether the schooner complained of was the Gaspee or not, and even if I did, in my opinion I am justifiable, as I was entirely unacquainted with Mr. Dudingston's authority, either as an officer in the revenue or navy; and, I do not believe, he had any right to officiate as a custom house officer within the body of this colony, before he had communicated to me, or some proper authority, his commission for so doing.

I must not omit mentioning, that the information which Admiral Montagu says he has received that the people of Newport talk of fitting out an armed vessel to rescue any seizures which may be made by the King's vessels, is, Your Lordship may be assured, a malicious representation, calculated, by the enemies of our happy constitution, to injure the colony, and bring upon the inhabitants his Majesty's displeasure.

I acknowledge it a singular happiness, that this affair is brought before Your Lordship, and that your candor and inflexible integrity will fix the charge of insolence where it really belongs. I submit the dispute, with pleasure, from a thorough conviction that Your Lordship's opinion thereupon will be consonant to the strictest equity.

It is now my turn to complain of Wm. Dudingston's illegal proceedings, in carrying a quantity of rum he had seized on board a small boat, lying within the county of Kent, in this colony, to Boston, for trial, notwithstanding by the 8th of his present Majesty, it is expressly declared, that all forfeitures of this kind shall be tried in that colony where the offence is committed.

To recite every particular of his unwarrantable proceedings, would, My Lord, be tedious. Let it then suffice, that since the Gaspee and Beaver have been stationed in this colony, the inhabitants have been insulted without any just cause, with the most abusive and contumelious language, and I am sorry that I have reason to say, that the principal officers belonging to said vessels have exercised that power with which they are vested, in a wanton and arbitrary manner, to the very great injury and disturbance of the colony.

15.

I have, my Lord, constantly afforded the King's officers all the assistance in my power in the legal discharge of their trust; if any of them through prejudice, ignorance of their duty or youthful indiscretion, insult the colony, it is my duty, as his Majesty's governor, to remonstrate against it.

I am, &c, &c

J. WANTON.

To the Right Honorable Earl of Hillsborough, one of His Majesty's principal secretaries of state, Whitehall.

The foregoing letters present an account of the events which preceded the memorable night of the 9th of June, when the Gaspee was destroyed. That Dudingston did not act wisely, to say the least, in exerting the authority he did, without first exhibiting his commission, is evident. But it is certain, that in sending some of the property seized by him, within the jurisdiction of the county of Kent, in Rhode Island, to Boston, there to be adjudicated upon by the court of vice admiralty, he was clearly in the wrong; as an act of Parliament expressly declares that such seizures shall bo adjudicated in the colony where the seizure is made. The goods here referred to, consisted of twelve hogsheads of
rum, and some sugars, which were on board a sloop, bound from Greenwich to Newport, and were the property of Jacob Greene & Co., of Warwick.*

Dudingston seems to have been aware that this act was an illegal one, as he did not dare to go on shore, having been threatened with a suit at law by the owners of the goods.

Next in order, is the. destruction of the Gaspee, the narrative of the particulars of which, we shall give, as written by Col. Ephraim Bowen, the last survivor of the party which de-
stroyed this vessel.

Narrative of the Capture and Burning of the British Schooner Gaspee.

"In the year 1772, the British government had stationed at Newport, Rhode Island, the schooner called the Gaspee, of eight guns, commanded by Wm. Dudingston, a Lieutenant in the British Navy, for the purpose of preventing the clandestine landing of articles, subject to the payment of duty.
______________________

*The firm consisted of Jacob, William, Elisha, Christopher and Perry Greene

17.

The captain of this schooner made it his practice to stop and board all vessels entering or leaving the ports of Rhode Island, or leaving Newport for Providence.

On the 9th [corrected from 10th--ed] day of June, 1772, Capt. Thomas Lindsey left Newport in his packet for Providence, about noon, with the wind at North; and soon after, the Gaspee was under sail, in pursuit of Lindsey, and continued the chase as far as Namquit Point, which runs off from the farm in Warwick about seven miles below Providence, now owned by Mr. John Brown Francis, our late Governor.

Lindsey was standing easterly, with the tide on ebb about two hours, when he hove about, at the end of Namquit Point, and stood to the westward, and Dudingston in close chase, changed his course and ran on the Point, near its end, and grounded.

Lindsey continued on his course up the river, and arrived at Providence about sunset, when he immediately informed Mr. John Brown, one of our first and most respectable merchants, of the situation of the Gaspee. He immediately concluded that she would remain immovable until after midnight, and that now an opportunity offered of putting an end to the trouble and vexation she daily caused.

Mr. Brown immediately resolved on her destruction, and he forthwith directed one of his trusty shipmasters to collect eight of the largest long-boats in the harbor, with five oars to each, to have the oars and row-locks well muffled, to prevent noise, and to place them at Fenner's wharf, directly opposite to the dwelling of Mr. James Sabin, who kept a house of board and entertainment for gentlemen, being the same house purchased a few years after by the late Welcome Arnold, and is now owned by and is the residence of Colonel Richard J. Arnold, his son*
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*"This house, then unfinished, was occupied as a inn. It was soon afterwards purchased and completed by Welcome Arnold, who resided there, till his death in 1798. It then became the residence of his eldest son, Samuel G. Arnold, father of the writer [the Hon. Samuel G. Arnold], and subsequently of his youngest son, Richard J. Arnold, the present owner, who has altered and enlarged it materially, within a few years. It is now the winter residence of the author of this history. The house is No. 124 on the east side of South Main Street, on the north-east corner of Planet Street."—Note to Arnold's Hist. of Rhode Island, Vol. II, p. 312.

18.

About the time of the shutting up of the shops soon after sunset, a man passed along the main street beating a drum and informing the inhabitants of the fact, that the Gaspee was aground on Namquit Point, and would not float off until 3 o'clock the next morning, and inviting those persons who felt a disposition to go and destroy that troublesome vessel, to repair in the evening to Mr. James Sabin's house. About 9 o'clock, I took my father's gun and my powder horn and bullets and went to Mr. Sabin's, and found the southeast room full of people, where I loaded my gun, and all remained there till about 10 o'clock, some casting bullets in the kitchen, and others making arrangements for departure, when orders were given to cross the street to Fenner's wharf and embark; which soon took place, and a sea captain acted as steersman of each boat, of whom I recollect Capt. Abraham Whipple, Capt. John B. Hopkins, (with whom I embarked,) and Capt. Benjamin Dunn. A line from right to left was soon formed, with Capt. Whipple on the right and Capt. Hopkins on the right of the left wing.

The party thus proceeded till within about sixty yards of the Gaspee, when a sentinel hailed, "Who comes there"? No answer. He hailed again and no answer.

In about a minute Duddingston mounted the starboard gunwale in his shirt and hailed, "Who comes there?" No answer. He hailed again, when Capt. Whipple answered as follows:

"I am the sheriff of the county of Kent, G—d d—n you. I have got a warrant to apprehend you, G—d d—n you; so surrender, G—d d—n you.''
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"This brief sketch may find an excuse in the rich revolutionary associations that surround it. The year before his death, Col. Ephraim Bowen, the last survivor of the Gaspee expedition, wrote an account of the affair, which was engrossed by his daughter, and now hangs in the dining room of the old mansion; the identical room in which the plot was laid."—Note to Arnold's Hist. of Rhode Island, Vol. II, p. 312.

I took my seat on the main thwart, near the larboard row-lock, with my gun by my right side, facing forwards.

As soon as Dudingston began to hail, Joseph Bucklin, who was standing on the main thwart by my right side, said to me, "Ephe, reach me your gun and I can kill that fellow.'' I reached it to him accordingly, when, during Capt. Whipple's replying, Bucklin fired and Dudingston fell, and Bucklin exclaimed, " I have killed the rascal."

In less than a minute after Capt. Whipple's answer, the boats were alongside of the Gaspee, and boarded without opposition. The men on deck retreated below as Dudingston entered the cabin.

As it was discovered that he was wounded, John Mawney, who had for two or three years been studying physic and surgery, was ordered to go into the cabin and dress Dudingston's wound, and I was directed to assist him. On examination, it was found the ball took effect about five inches directly below the navel. Dudingston called for Mr. Dickinson to produce bandages and other necessaries for the dressing of the wound, and when finished, orders were given to the schooner's company to collect their clothing and every thing belonging to them and put them into their boats, as all of them were to be sent on shore.

All were soon collected and put on board of the boats, including one of our boats. They departed and landed Dudingston at the old Still-house Wharf, at Pawtuxet, and put the chief into the house of Joseph Rhodes.

Soon after, all the party were ordered to depart, leaving one boat for the leaders of the expedition, who soon set the vessel on fire, which consumed her to the waters' edge.

The names of the most conspicuous actors are as follows, viz: Mr. John Brown¹, Captains Abraham Whipple², John B. Hopkins³, Benjamin Dunn, and five others, whose names I have forgotten, and John Mawney⁴, Benjamin Page⁵, Joseph Bucklin⁶, and Turpin Smith⁷, my youthful companions, all of whom are dead, I believe, every man of the party, excepting myself, and my age is eighty-six years this 29th day of August, 1839.

EPHRAIM BOWEN*.

20
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¹JOHN BROWN, and his brother JOSEPH BROWN, were (as Admiral Montagu observes in his letter to Governor Wanton,) among the most prominent citizens of Providence. This family, as is well known to the people of Rhode Island, have ever been among its most distinguished citizens.

The first of them, Chad Brown, was one of the five associates of Roger Williams, who were the earliest founders of the State. John Brown, at the period referred to, was the leading merchant in the colony. He was also distinguished as an earnest patron of literature and science; being among the founders of Brown University, and otherwise contributing liberally for the encouragement of science. His brother Moses, who died Sept. 6, 1836, in his 99th year, was a distinguished philanthropist and encourager of education. Obadiah, his cousin, was the founder of the Friends' Boarding School.

The descendants of these brothers, have been equally distinguished in commerce, navigation and manufacture, as well as liberal benefactors of our literary and charitable institutions.

²ABRAHAM WHIPPLE was captain of a merchantman, in the West India trade. During the French war, he commanded the "Game Cock," a celebrated privateer, which, in one cruise took twenty-three prizes. His shrewdness and bravery led to his selection as captain of the party which destroyed the Gaspee. On the breaking out of the revolutionary war, he became a commander in the American navy, and rendered his country most important service.

³John B. HOPKINS, was a son of Commodore Esek Hopkins, a distinguished officer of the revolution and nephew of Gov. Stephen Hopkins, one of the signers of the declaration of Independence. He commanded the ship Cabot, one of the fleet that sailed from Rhode Island, February 17, 1776. In an action that took place on this cruise, he was severely wounded.

⁴ JOHN MAWNEY, was a descendant of one of the Huguenot families, that came to this country about the year 1700. He was educated to the profession of medicine; though, having inherited an ample estate, be never practiced it to a very great extent. He was at one time, a colonel in the Rhode Island militia, and afterwards sheriff of the county of Providence. He was distinguished for his classical attainments, and to the close of his long life, read with unabated interest, the Greek and Latin poets. He suffered greatly in the public esteem, on account of his bold and unblushing irreverence and infidelity.

It is believed that there are none of his descendants now living; it is certain that there are none in the male line. He died at a great age, on his estate, in that part of Cranston, now known as Elmwood

⁵BENJAMIN PAGE, was a prominent ship master, and for many years commander of a ship in the East India trade.

⁶JOSEPH BUCKLIN, was well known in Providence and kept a prominent restaurant, or place of resort, in South Main Street, where gentlemen resorted for their suppers.. Here, too, they assembled, to discuss politics, and where, possibly, the expedition which destroyed the Gaspee, was discussed, as well as at Mr. Sabin's house, which was near it.

⁷TURPIN SMITH, after the revolution, became a prominent shipmaster; in which pursuit, he accumulated a handsome property. After his retirement from maritime life, he lived in Providence, greatly respected and beloved, discharging faithfully all the duties of a good citizen. He attained to more than four score years, and left to his posterity the rich inheritance of an unspotted name.
__________________________
Extract from the Providence Journal, relative to the Gaspee affair, in the celebration of the 4th of July, 1826, the fiftieth anniversary. In speaking of the parties in the procession, the account says:

"After these, the four surviving captors of the King's armed schooner Gaspee, rode in an elegant barouche, procured by Mr. Blake, of the Franklin House, expressly for this occasion. Mr. Blake, himself, appeared on the box, and managed with great dexterity, the four spirited horses attached to the carriage.

It was a matter of most interesting association and recollection, to witness these four surviving lads, who burnt the Gaspee (as the orator so happily termed them) at the end or fifty-four years, riding in a splendid equipage, and receiving the award of a republican triumph, for a deed, the commission of which, at that time, had well nigh caused them to ride in a cart to Execution Dock, or to be drawn on a hurdle to Tyburn, for high treason; an event they anticipated as vastly more likely, than that in 1826, the jubilee of American freedom, they should become the time honored objects of the greatest interest to an immense concourse of citizens, thronging the streets, and crowding to the altar of freedom, to offer up the sacrifices and thanksgivings of a great, prosperous and free people: These four veterans, Col. Ephraim Bowen, Capt. Benjamin Page, Col. John Mawney, and Capt. Turpin Smith, are among our most respected citizens, and on this occasion, the spirit that first animated them, in 1772, seemed to kindle anew in their still vigorous frames: We believe, from the present ages of these veterans, they were all not over twenty years of age, at the time of the attack on the Gaspee."

*The compiler of the present history of the Gaspee affair, was well acquainted with the venerable Col. Bowen, and often rode in his chaise with him, between Providence and his residence, in Pawtuxet. On these occasions the Colonel liked to give his revolutionary reminiscences; among which, his connection with the destruction of the Gaspee, was prominent. The writer also remembers John Mawney and Turpin Smith, who, with Col. Bowen, always had a prominent place in the proceedings connected with the 4th of July celebrations Providence.—
J. R. B.

21.

Colonel Bowen is in error as to the day on which the Gaspee was destroyed. He gives it as the 10th , whereas, it is certain that it was on the night of the 9th of June. Capt. Lindsey's sloop, called the Hannah, according to the Providence Gazette, of June 13, arrived at Newport on Monday the 8th, from New York, where she reported her cargo at the custom house; and on the following day, proceeded up the bay, to Providence, chased by the Gaspee. The attack was planned and carried into execution on the night of the 9th, by the burning of the vessel; but as the destruction was not complete until the morning of the 10th, either day is applicable to the event. The proclamation of Governor Wanton, in relation to the affair, which is dated on the 12th, says the vessel was destroyed on " the 9th instant, in the night." Col. Bowen is also in error, as to the name of the captain, which was Benjamin, and not Thomas Lindsey.*

Mr. John Mawney, who was one of the party conspicuous in the affair, published in the Providence American and Gazette, in the year 1826, a statement, in which some additional facts are given.

______________________

*Arnold's History of Rhode Island, Vol II. p. 320.

After hearing the drum beat, he repaired to Mr. Sabin's, the place of rendezvous, where he learned the object of the meeting; and on being urged by some of his acquaintances, was induced to accompany them, as surgeon.

Statement of Dr. John Mawney.

"To this," he says, "I readily consented, and went to Corlis' wharf with Capt. Joseph Tillinghast, who commanded the barge, it being the last boat that put off, and in going down we stopped at Capt. Cooke's wharf, where we took in staves and paving stones, which done followed our commander and came up with them a considerable distance down the river, after which we rowed along pretty rapidly till we came in sight of the schooner, when Capt. (the late Commodore Whipple,) ordered us to form a line, which was instantly complied with, after which we rowed gently along, till we had got near the schooner, when we were hailed from on board with the words, 'Who comes there?"

Capt. Whipple replied, 'I want to come on board."

The reply was, "Stand off, you can't come on board."

On which Capt. Whipple roared out, "I am the sheriff of the county of Kent, I am come for the commander of this vessel, and have him I will, dead or alive; men, spring to your oars;" when we were in an instant on her bows.

I was then sitting with Capt. Tillinghast in the stern of the barge, and sprang immediately forward, and seeing a rope hang down her bows, seized it to help myself in. The rope slipping, I fell almost to my waist in the water, but being active and nimble, I recovered, and was the first of our crew on deck, when Simeon H. Olney handed me a stave, with which, seeing one that I took to be of the crew of the schooner, floundering below the windlass, I was in the attitude of leveling a stroke, when he cried out, "John, don't strike."

Being very intimately acquainted with Capt. Samuel Dunn, I knew his voice, left him, and sprung back of the windlass, where there was commotion and noise, but which soon subsided, the crew jumping down the hold, I immediately following, when I ordered them to bring cords to tie their hands, and told them they should not be hurt but be sent on shore. They brought some tarred strings, with which I tied the hands of two behind, when John Brown, Esq., called to me saying, I was wanted immediately on deck, where I was instantly helped.

When I asked Mr. Brown what is the matter, he replied, "Don't call names, but go immediately into the cabin, there is one wounded, and will bleed to death."

I hastened into the cabin and found Lieut. Dudingston in a sitting posture, gently reclining to the left, bleeding profusely, with a thin, white, woolen blanket, loose about him, which I threw aside and discovered the effect of a musket ball in his left groin, and thinking the femoral artery was cut, threw open my waistcoat and taking my shirt by the collar, tore it to my waistband, when Mr. Dudingston said, "Pray, sir, don't tear your clothes, there is linen in that trunk," upon which I requested Joseph Bucklin to break open the trunk and tear linen and scrape lint, which he immediately attempted, but finding the linen new and strong, could not make the lint.

I then directed him to place his hands as I had mine, which was, the ball of my left hand on the orifice of the wound, and giving him the word to slip his hand under mine and to press hard to prevent the effusion of blood; which being done, I went to the linen and attempted to scrape it into lint, but found I could not effect it. As daylight was fast coming on and our time short, I then tore the linen into strips for compresses and the necessary bandages, which was done by knotting them into long strips, placed the compresses five or six deep, and with the ligatures, by the lieutenant

All being prepared, I told Bucklin to raise his hands, when I instantly placed the compresses on the orifice, and placing the bandage round the thigh over the wound and crossing it above, drew tight, so that the effusion of blood was stopped.

During the operation, I was several times called upon at the door, but now was ready. When the door was opened many rushed in and attacked the bottles. I having boots on, stamped on them, and requested others to assist, which was readily done. During this, Mr. Dudingston was carried out of the room, and I never saw him after, notwithstanding I had several invitations, through Dr. Henry Sterling.

When I came on deck I saw Capt. Tillinghast, and some others. We got into the boat and rowed up the river a certain distance and went by land to town, when Capt. Tillinghast, who was then living with me, after taking breakfast, went on the hill to view the smoking ruins of the vessel, which was all in flames soon after we left it."*

JOHN MAWNEY

This statement of Dr. Mawney, differs somewhat from that of Col. Bowen, though in nothing that is material. It is quite natural that among so many men, incidents might take place which all did not observe. The attention of Dr. Mawney was particularly directed to the wounded officer, though, it would appear that he had been ready to inflict, as to cure wounds.

"From a subsequent statement of Dr. Mawney, it appears that Lieut. Dudingston was not wanting in gratitude to his surgeon. After his wound was dressed, he offered Dr. Mawney a gold stock buckle as a testimonial of his gratitude.

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*The Providence Gazette. of June 13, 1772, after giving the account of the burning of the Gaspee, adds the following:

"We hear that one Daggett, belonging to the Vineyard, who had served the aforementioned schooner, as a pilot, but at the time of her being destroyed, was on board the Beaver sloop of war, on going ashore a few days since, at Narragansett, to a sheep-shearing, was seized by the company, who cut off his hair, and performed to him the operation of shearing, in such a manner, that his ears and nose were in imminent danger."

This was refused, but a silver one was afterward offered and accepted, and worn by Dr. Mawney but a little while before his death."*

The first official notice of the destruction of the Gaspee, is a letter from Deputy Governor Sessions to Governor Wanton, written the day following that event, after he paid a visit to Lieut. Dudingston, at Pawtuxet. It appears that the first act of the Deputy Governor, on hearing of the affair, was to see the wounded officer, and endevour to do all that lay in his power to ameliorate his sufferings, and administer to his comforts.

Deputy Governor Sessions to the Governor of Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, June 11, 1772.

SIR:—A very disagreeable affair has lately happened within this part of the colony. Last Tuesday night, as his Majesty's schooner the Gaspee lay aground on the point of land called Namquit, a little below Pawtuxet, she was boarded in a hostile manner, by a number of persons unknown, who, in the attack, dangerously wounded the commander, William Dudingston, by firing a pistol or musket ball through his arm, from whence it passed and entered near his groin, and is now lodged in some part of his body.

As soon as they had secured the possession of the vessel, they took out the captain with all the people, the greater part being first pinioned, put them into boats, and put them ashore on the main land near Pawtuxet; after which they put fire to the schooner, which soon reduced her to ashes, down to the water's edge.

Upon my receiving the news, I immediately set out for Pawtuxet, attended by some gentlemen from this town, went directly to Capt. Dudingston, told him if he needed any money, surgeons, or a removal of his person to a place more convenient, I would give him all the assistance in my power.

He replied, he wanted no favors with respect to himself, but only desired some care might be taken of his people, that they might be collected together, and sent either to Boston to the Admiral, or else to the Beaver at Newport, which I promised I would take care to do.

I then informed him, that the design of my visit, at that time, was not only to afford him any relief his circumstances might require, but also to gain a declaration from his own mouth respecting the attack that had been made on his person and the vessel he commanded, that the perpetrators might be brought to justice.

He answered, he would give me no account of the matter; first, because of his indisposition of body, and secondly, because it was his duty to forbear any thing of the nature till he had done it to his commanding officer, at a court martial, to which, if he lived, he must be called, but if he died, he desired it might all die with him.

____________________________

Judge Staple's Documentary History, p. 10

I then asked him if he was willing I should examine any of his officers and people.

He said he was willing. I then proceeded to examine a number of them, they all agreeing nearly to the same thing, and herewith convey to your honor, copies of the most material of their declarations. The dangerous tendency of this transaction is too obvious to pass it over with the least appearance of neglect, and, therefore, doubt not your honor will give it due attention, and prosecute such measures as wisdom and prudence shall dictate.

It is the prevailing opinion of the gentlemen in this quarter, that a proclamation, with a large reward, be issued for the apprehending the persons who have thus offended. You will please consult the gentlemen your way, and in the meantime, I will endeavor to collect the sentiments of the members of the Assembly, and other principal gentlemen by name and send the same to your honor as soon as may be.

I am, &c, &c.,

DARIUS SESSIONS.

To Governor Wanton

Enclosed in this letter were the following affidavits:

Affidavit of Bartholomew Cheever.

The examination of Bartholomew Cheever, seaman, lately belonging to his Majesty's schooner, the Gaspee, taken by Darius Sessions, deputy governor of the colony of Rhode Island, &c., is as followeth, viz:

That the said schooner being bound from Newport up to Providence, to take on board some of his Majesty's seamen that were expected from Boston, did, on the 9th of this instant, at about three o'clock in the afternoon of said day, run aground on a point of land, about six miles below the town of Providence, where she, the said schooner, lay until twelve o'clock at night, at which time he, the said Cheever, was called upon deck to take the watch; about three-quarters of an hour afterwards, the schooner yet being aground, he observed some long boats, about six or seven in number, full of men, drawing near to the schooner, upon which he informed the commander, Capt. Dudingston, who immediately came on deck, and ordered him to hail them and bid them stand off on their peril, to which they answered, "Damn you, we have you."

The captain then ordered him to call all hands on deck, which he did; but before many of them got up, the boats were alongside and the crews getting on board; and as they were entering the schooner, he saw the flash and heard the report of a musket, and heard the captain cry out, he was a dead man.

We were then ordered into the hold, and taken out separately and put into the boats alongside, the most of us being pinioned, and then put on shore on the main land, where we had not been long before we saw the schooner on fire, where she continued burning till the fire reached the water's edge.

Question—Did you, or do you know, or do you remember ever to have seen before any of those persons that boarded the schooner at that time?

Answer—No.

his mark
BARTHOLOMEW [X] CHEEVER.
Colony of RHODE ISLAND, &C.
Warwick, June 10, 1772.

The above named Bartholomew Cheever was solemnly sworn to the truth of the foregoing declaration, to the which he has subscribed as above, before

DARIUS SESSIONS,
Deputy Governor.

Affidavits of John Johnson and William J. Caple.

The examination of John Johnson, boatswain of his Majesty's schooner Gaspee, commanded by William Dudingston, together with the examination of William Caple, a seaman on board said schooner, taken this tenth day of June, in the twelfth year of his Majesty's reign, A. D. 1772, before the Hon. Darius Sessions, deputy governor; severally say:

That on the ninth of June, being bound with said schooner to the town of Providence, in order to take on board some of his Majesty's seamen, which was expected from Boston, in order to replace them on board his Majesty's ship to which they belonged, about three o'clock in the afternoon of said day the schooner grounded on a point in the Narragansett Bay, about six miles southward of the town of Providence; and about the middle of the night following, the schooner still being on ground, there being but one hand on deck, he discovered seven or eight long boats, with a number of persons aboard them, on which the person on deck informed the commander, William Dudingston, who hailed the boats and ordered them to keep off; but the persons on board said boats not regarding the commander's orders, came near in order to board said schooner, on which the captain or commander called all hands; but before we was on deck, we heard two small arms or pistols fired; and when coming on deck, the schooner was boarded, and being in the hatchway, said Johnson received several blows with a stick, and as soon as we was on deck, we was bound, and all the rest of the seamen bound likewise, and put on board their boat, and landed on the west side of said Bay, together with captain or commander, who was much wounded.

Question—Have you any knowledge of the persons that boarded the schooner?

Answer—No.

his mark.
JOHN [X] JOHNSON.
his mark.
WM. J. {X} CAPLE.
Colony of RHODE ISLAND, &c.,
Warwick, June 10, 1772.

The within John Johnson and William J. Caple made solemn oath to the truth of the within, or foregoing declaration, to which they have subscribed, before --

DARIUS SESSIONS,
Deputy Governor.

On the following day, June 12, Governor Sessions addressed another letter to Gov. Wanton. The bearer of which, probably brought the proclamation of Governor Wanton, which follows:

Deputy Governor Sessions to the Governor of Rhode Island.

PROVIDENCE, June 12, 1772.

SIR:—Since I wrote you yesterday, by Hacker, I have received the advice of all the civil authority in this town, as well as an application in writing, signed by a great number of the most reputable inhabitants, who are unanimously of opinion, and earnestly desire that your honor forthwith issue a proclamation with a proper reward, for the apprehending and bringing to justice any and every person that was concerned in destroying the schooner Gaspee, or in assaulting and wounding William Dudingston, the commander of said schooner; and, if your honor find it expedient to put forth such proclamation, it is requested that a copy thereof may be sent by the bearer, who goes express, and has orders to wait until it is determined whether a proclamation be issued or not; and if it be, to bring it back with him timely, that it may be inserted in our newspaper to-morrow.

Some exceptions are taken at the Gaspee's being called his Majesty's schooner, as it is thought by some she, in fact, really was not, and consequently did not deserve that appellation.

If the evidence we have in that respect be sufficient to denominate her a King's vessel, she ought to be called so, if not, then only without any compliment, the schooner Gaspee, which is submitted to your honor's better knowledge and discretion by—

Your honor's most humble servant,

DARIUS SESSIONS.

P.S.—Dr. Sterling, who attends Capt. Dudingston, informed us yesterday that he was in a fair way to recover of his wounds.

To Governor WANTON,
To The Hon. JOSEPH WANTON, Esq., at Newport.

Proclamation of the Governor of Rhode Island, relative to the Destruction of the Gaspee.

[L. S.] By the Honorable Joseph Wanton, Esquire, Governor, Captain General and Commander-in-chief of and over the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations in New England in America—

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas, on Tuesday, the 9th inst., in the night, a number of people unknown, boarded his Majesty's armed schooner the Gaspee, as she lay aground on a point of land called Namquit, a little to the southward of Pawtuxet, in the colony aforesaid, who dangerously wounded William Dudingston, the commander, and by force took him with all his people, put them into boats, and landed them near Pawtuxet, and afterward set fire to the said schooner, whereby she was totally destroyed.

I have, therefore, thought fit, by and with the advice of such of his Majesty's council as could be seasonably convened to issue this proclamation, strictly charging and commanding all his majesty's officers within the said colony, both civil and military, to exert themselves with the utmost vigilance to discover and apprehend the persons guilty of the aforesaid atrocious crime, that they may be brought to condign punishment.

And I do hereby offer a reward of one hundred pounds sterling money of Great Britain to any person or persons who shall discover the perpetrators of the said villainy, to be paid immediately upon the conviction of any one or more of them.

And the several sheriffs in the said colony are hereby required forthwith to cause this proclamation to be posted up in the most public places in each of the towns in their respective countries.

Given under my hand and seal at arms at Newport this 12th day of June, in the twelfth year of the reign of his Most Sacred Majesty George the Third, by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain and so forth, Anno Dom. 1772.

J. WANTON.

By his Honor's command:

HENRY WARD, Secretary.
God save the King.

30.

Notwithstanding the wound of Lieutenant Dudingston, he probably on the morning of the 10th of June, dispatched a messenger to Admiral Montagu, with the news of the loss of his vessel.

The messenger was doubtless, William Dickinson, a midshipman, as the following letter, dated the 11th, was received by Governor Wanton from the Admiral, endorsing the deposition of Dickinson.

Admiral Montagu to the Governor of Rhode Island

BOSTON, 11th June, 1772.

SIR:—Enclosed I transmit your Excellency a deposition taken before me of the piratical proceedings of the people of Providence in Rhode Island government, by attacking his Majesty's schooner with an armed force, wounding her commander in a dangerous manner, and then setting her on fire.

I am to request your Excellency will use such methods as you shall think proper for apprehending and bringing the offenders to justice. I am now despatching a sloop to England with the account I enclose to you, and am &c, &c

J. MONTAGU.

His Excellency GOV. WANTON.

The deposition enclosed was that of William Dickinson, which was as follows:

Deposition of William Dickinson.

William Dickinson, midshipman of his Majesty's schooner Gaspee, sayeth:

That the said schooner was at single anchor about three leagues below Providence, in Rhode Island government, 10th of June, 1772, and about half past twelve o'clock in the night or morning, the watch gave the alarm that a number of boats were coming down the river, and very near us, (being an exceeding dark night,) we hailed them, and ordered them to keep off.

They instantly gave us three cheers, on which we fired at them with muskets, which they immediately returned with half a dozen muskets, (or thereabouts.) We then fired our pistols, on which they boarded us upon the starboard bow, and fired a number of small arms. Immediately Lieutenant Dudingston (her commander) cried out, "Good God, I am done for." He was wounded in his groin and arm.

While we were disputing forward, relative to their boarding us, three other boats boarded us upon the quarter. In the three boats which boarded us upon the quarter, there were thirty or forty men, at least, and in the whole, I suppose, about 150 in number, on which we thought proper (the Lieutenant being wounded) to surrender.

When they had got possession of the schooner they used the people very ill, by pinioning of them, and throwing them into their boats, and refused the Lieutenant and officers any necessaries but what they had on, and not even suffered the commanding officer to have his papers, and robbed his servant of several silver spoons, and throwed his linen and apparel overboard.

We were then sent ashore, in two different boats, the Lieutenant and part of the men in one boat, and myself with the rest of the people in the other boat, at the distance of about two miles asunder, as we found at daylight. I remained on the beach, and about half-past three o'clock saw the schooner on fire, and about half-past four I saw three boats put off from her, full of men, and rowed up towards Providence, and an hour after another boat came by her and landed her men at Pawtuxet.

Questions by Admiral Montagu.

Question.—How long had you been lying in Providence River?
Answer.—We came to an anchor there at about 4 o'clock in the afternoon of the 9th of June.
Q,—Had you sent any boat ashore?
A.—No, but employed sounding the Harbor.
Q.—Had you been at Providence before during the time you were upon that station?
A.—No.
Q —Do you imagine that the people who boarded you, came from Providence?
A.—Yes; I believe the most part, but cannot say all, as one boat landed her men at Pawtuxet.
Q.—What distance is Pawtuxet from Providence by land?
A.—Five miles.
Q.—What distance were the boats from the schooner when they were first seen?
A.—I was not upon deck at first myself, but when I saw them they were about 100 yards.
Q.—Why did you not fire your great guns at them?
A.—They boarded us upon the bows, and were so near to us that we had not time to get our guns out at the bow ports.
Q.—Did any of the people that boarded you appear like gentlemen?
A.—Yes; many of them appeared like men of credit and tradesmen, and but few like common men.
Q.—Did they make use of any opprobrious language?
A.—Yes; by threatening to put the Lieutenant to death, and calling us piratical rascals.
Q.—Where did you leave the Beaver?
A.—Off Golden Island, in the mouth of Seaconnet Passage.
Q.—What distance from you?
A.—About twenty-five miles.
Q.—Could she be in sight when this happened?
A.—No; the main land is between.
Q. —Is there any thing more that you can recollect?
A.—Yes; one of the people took me by the collar, and said, "Damn you, where is your Pilot Doget." I answered he was discharged six weeks ago. He answered, "Damn your blood, you lie;'' and said they would find him, and tlee him alive.

Q.—Did they suffer the lieutenant to put on any clothes after he was wounded?
A.—No; he was in his shirt with his great coat over his shoulders, and a blanket round his body.
Q.—Was any other person wounded except the lieutenant?
A.—Yes; one in the head.

And I further declare, that when Lieutenant Dudingston came on deck, I saw him go and stand by the starboard foreshrouds, in his shirt, with a pistol in one hand and a hanger in the other. After he was wounded he got aft and sat down by the cabin companion way, when the two ringleaders, with a number following them, came to him and said,

"Now you piratical rascal, we have got you. Damn you, we will hang you all by the laws of Great Britain. Damn you, what made you fire when we answered you that the head sheriff was in the boat."

The Captain (N.B. The head sheriff and captain are fictitious names that the two ringleaders went by) said, "Stand aside and let me despatch the piratical dog."

He then lifted a handspike over Mr. Dudingston's head, who asked "if they would give no quarters."

They answered, "No."

He then desired they would let me bind up his wounds, for he was shot, and showed them the wound in his left arm.

They then said, "Damn your blood, you are shot by your own people."

He was then taken down into the cabin by some of the mob. They then pinioned me and put me into the boat, where I remained for half an hour, when one of the mob called to their people in the boat to loose me for the Lieutenant wanted me. I went down in the cabin to him. He was laid on the after lockers, and one of the mob washing and binding up his wounds. The mob then got him on deck and put him in a boat and put off.

Soon after, I was ordered into the boat again, and put off. In going on shore I saw a negro with the Lieutenant's hanger; being asked by another how he got it, he said he took it from the Captain.

Being down in the cabin with Lieutenant Dudingston, the ringleaders and some of the principal of the mob demanded his papers and orders for his proceeding in such piratical manner. I then showed them the commission from the Lords of the Admiralty, with all his orders and instructions that he had received from the Admiral, which they took and carried away.

In going ashore one of the mob that rowed the boat said, that he and several more would not have been there, but that they were taken out of a house by force and compelled to go; that they beat a drum round the town of Providence in the evening to raise a mob.

W. DICKINSON.

Province of Massachusetts Bay,
Suffolk, sc. BOSTON, June 11, 1772.

The above named William Dickinson personally appearing, maketh solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition, as wrote upon this and the six preceding pages, which is taken at the request of the Honorable John Montagu, Esq.
Before me,

EDMUND QUINCY.

The Governor of Rhode Island to Admiral Montagu, in reply.

NEWPORT, June 12, 1772.

SIR:—I have this moment received your honor's letter of yesterday upon the destruction of his Majesty's schooner Gaspee.

Upon the first information of this unhappy affair, which gives me, and every friend to government, the highest concern, I called together all the members of the General Assembly that I could conveniently, who unanimously advised me to publish the proclamation of which I enclose you a copy.

I have not, as yet, been able to collect all the circumstances of this daring insult upon authority, so as to give you a perfect idea of it, but by the evidence of three of the people of the Gaspee, taken before his honor the deputy governor, copies of which I transmit, you will perceive that there is a material difference between them and the account given by William Dickinson.

You may rely upon the utmost and continued exertions of the officers of this Colony to detect and bring to justice the perpetrators of this violent outrage.

I have the pleasure to inform you that Lieutenant Dudingston is in a fair way of recovery.

I am, sir, &c, &c

J. WANTON.

To His Honor Admiral MONTAGU.

On the 12th, Lieutenant Dudingston had so far recovered as to be able to write a letter to Admiral Montagu, wherein he presented his version of the destruction of the vessel. This differs but little from those of Col. Bowen and Dr. Mawney. as to the attack on the boats, his being wounded and the surrender of his vessel to an overpowering force.

It will be inferred, however, from the Lieutenant's account, that he and his crew were pretty harshly handled, which may have been true. He had given great offense to the people, by his overbearing conduct, and by his unlawful seizure of property; so that they were little disposed, in the contest on board his vessel, to treat him kindly. But after he had been taken to Pawtuxet, wounded, every attention was paid him,

It is natural, that in stating the case to Admiral Montagu, Dudingston would represent the circumstances as favorable to himself and crew aa possible.

Lieut. Dudingston to Admiral Montagu.

PAWTUXET, 12th June, 1772.

SIR:—On Wednesday morning, about one o'clock, as his Majesty's schooner was lying upon a spite of sand called Nancutt, the centinels discovered a number of boats coming down the River towards us.

As soon as I was acquainted with it, I came upon deck and hailed the boats, forbidding them to come near the schooner, or I should order them to be fired upon.

They made answer, they had the sheriff with them, and must come on board.

I told them, the sheriff could not be admitted on board at that time of night, on which they set up a hallow and rowed as fast as they could towards the vessel's bows. I was then using every means in my power to get the guns to bear upon them, which I could not effect, as they came right ahead of the vessel, she being aground. I then ordered the men to come forward with their small arms and prevent them from boarding.

As I was standing myself to oppose them, and making a stroke with my sword at the man who was attempting to come up, at that instant I found myself disabled in my left arm, and shot through the groin. I then stepped from the gunwale with an intention to order them to retire to close quarters, but soon saw that most of them were knocked down, and myself twice, (after telling them I was mortally wounded.)

They damned me, and said I was not wounded;—if I was, my own people had done it. As loss of blood made me drop down upon deck, they ordered me to beg my life, and commanded the people to surrender. As I saw there was no possibility of defending the vessel against such numbers, who were in every respect armed and commanded with regularity by one who personated the sheriff, I thought it best for the people's preservation, to propose to them that I would order them to surrender if they assured me they should not be hurt, which they did.

I then called out, which was immediately echoed by the people round me, that I had given them orders to surrender. They hurried all the people below and ordered them up one by one and tied their hands behind their backs, then ordered them into different boats.

I then begged they would either despatch me or suffer my wounds to be dressed; upon that they allowed my servant to be unbound to get me things for dressing, and carried me below. But what was my surprise when I came down in the cabin, two surgeons were ordered down from the deck to dress me, who were furnished with drops and began to scrape lint for that purpose.

During this time I had an opportunity of observing the persons of about a dozen, who were in the cabin. They appeared to me to be merchants and masters of vessels, who were at my bureau reading and examining my papers. They promised to let me have the schooner's books and my clothes; instead of which, as they were handing me up to go in the boat they threw them overboard, or into some of the boats. I was soon afterwards thrust into a boat, almost naked.

During the time they were rowing me on shore, I had an opportunity of observing the boat, which appeared to me to be a very large long-boat. I saw by the man who steered her a cutlass lying by him, and directing the men to have their arms ready. As soon as they put off, the Sheriff gave them orders to land me on some neck, and the boat to come off immediately, and told me if I did not consent to pay the value of the rum I must not expect to have any thing belonging to me saved.

I made answer, whatever reparation law would give, I was ready and willing; as to my things they might do with them as they pleased. They were accordingly going to land me on this neck, which I told them they had better throw me overboard. One man, who had a little more humanity than any of the rest, said they had better land me at the Point of Pawtuxet. As I was unable to stand, they unbound five of the men and gave them a blanket to carry me up. When I was halfway on shore I heard some of the schooner's guns go off, and heard the people say she was on fire.

I had not been carried far when the people exclaim'd, I was on an Island; and they saw no house—on which they laid me down and went in quest of one. Soon after they came to acquaint me they saw one, which I was carried to; a man was immediately despatched to Providence for a surgeon. A little after the people joined me with the midshipman; all of whom that I could persuade are sent on board his Majesty's sloop Beaver.

The schooner is utterly destroyed, and every thing appertaining to her, me, and the schooner's company. If I live, I am not without hope of being able to convict some of the principal people that were with them. The pain with the loss of blood rendered me incapable of informing you before of the particulars. There are none of the people any ways wounded, but bruised with handspikes.

I am, sir, &c, &c,.

W. DUDINGSTON.

To Admiral Montagu

In the above letter, Dudingston says, that in taking him ashore. they told him, if he "did not consent to pay the value of the rum" he had seized, "he must not expect to have any
thing saved belonging" to him; to which, he made answer, that he was ready to make "any reparation the law would give."

It appears, by the following letter, from the collector of customs, at Providence, that the owners of the goods referred to, lost no time in laying their hands on his person.

William Checkley, to the Commissioner of Customs.

[Providence], 12th June, 1772.

Honorable Gentlemen:—Hearing this morning, that the high sheriff was gone to arrest Capt. Dudingston, on the suit of Jacob Greene and others, for goods which Capt. Dudingston lately seized in the river, and carried to Boston, I went down immediately, and found the sheriff had just before arrested him; a copy of the writ I herewith enclose to Your Honors.

I offered to be security for him; but Capt. Dudingston told me he should not ask any person to be security, as he did not expect to live long, and the sheriff might do as he pleased. The surgeons told me he was too ill to be moved; and as I expect the sheriff will use great severity with him, I humbly request Your Honors to give me such direction in the matter as to you shall seem necessary.*

I am, &c., &c.,

WILLIAM CHECKLEY.

To the Honorable His Majesty's Commissioners of Customs.

_________________________

*Jacob Greene & Co., the owners of the rum and sugar, referred to, commenced a suit at the July term of the court of common pleas, and recovered a judgment from Dudingston for the illegal seizure.

On the receipt of Lieutenant Dudingston's letter, of the 12th June, Admiral Montagu addressed the following to Governor Wanton.

The only thing that surprised the admiral in the statement of the lieutenant, was, that of his finding two surgeons in the cabin of the Gaspee, when he was taken down wounded ,
whence he doubtless inferred, that the attacking party expected to shed blood, and that it was a previously contrived plot.

Admiral Montagu to the Governor of Rhode Island.

BOSTON, 15th June, 1772.

SIR:—By return of express I am favored with your Excellency's letter, and am much obliged for the part you have taken in endeavoring to find out and bring to justice, those rebellious, lawless, and piratical people who were concerned in wounding the King's Lieutenant and burning his schooner.

It will not bear a dispute but that they belonged to Providence, as they were heard by four or five gentlemen that were in the town, and are now here, beating the drum to arms to raise a body of people to destroy the King's schooner. I have persued the depositions which your Excellency enclosed, and although they differ in words, yet the matter is much to the same purpose.

I have, since I received yours, received one from Lieutenant Dudingston, whose account nearly agrees with the other, with this addition only: that when he was carried down to his cabin, after he was wounded, he, to his great surprise found two surgeons that came off from the shore in the boats, ready to dress his wounds, with drops and scraping of lint, and at least a dozen of these people who were in the cabin, which were at his bureau reading and examining his papers, appeared to him to be merchants and masters of vessels.

It gives me pleasure to hear the Lieutenant is in a fair way of recovery.

I am , sir, &c, &c.

J. MONTAGU.

To His Excellency GOV. WANTON.

37

Admiral Montagu lost no time transmitting to His Majesty's secretary of state, the Earl of Hillsborough, an account of this affair. His letter is dated on the very day of Governor Wanton's first letter to him, and his account of it was given from the version as presented to him by Lieutenant Dudingston, or some one else from the Gaspee, on the day she was destroyed.
His account is very brief.

The deposition referred to, is doubtless that of William Dickinson, a midshipman of the Gaspee, a copy of which, was transmitted by the admiral to Governor Wanton, in his letter to him, of the 11th June.

Admiral Montagu to Lord Hillsborough.

Boston, in New England,
12th June 1772.

My Lord: —I was in hopes I should not have had occasion to trouble Your Lordship with any public letters, while I have the honor to command on the continent; but the lawless and piratical people of Rhode Island obliges me to write to you.

By the enclosed deposition, Your Lordship will see that this nest of daring smugglers have wounded in a most dangerous manner Lieut. Dudingston, and burnt the King's schooner Gaspee, under his command, for no other cause, except his being dilligent in the discharge of his duty, by giving every proper assistance to the fair trader, and using every endeavor to suppress the illicit trade that is carried on to a great degree, in that province, and which can never be checked unless there are more men-of-war stationed there, to keep the inhabitants in order.

I beg leave to refer Your Lordship to the enclosed deposition, for the particulars, and wait Your Lordship's instructions for what is to be done. Permit me to add, that the lieutenant that is wounded, is a sober, dilligent, good officer; and has most strictly done his duty since I have had the honor of commanding here, frequently at the hazard of his life, in assisting the revenue. Should he survive, which I have little hopes of, I beg leave to recommend him to Your Lordship's favor and protection.

I have the honor, &c., &c.,

J. MONTAGU.

To the Right Honorable Lord Hillsborough.

P.S. Herewith I transmit to Your Lordship copies of letters which have passed between me, Lieutenant Dudingston and the Governor of Rhode Island, which I did not think necessary to trouble Your Lordship with.until this melancholy affair of the schooner happened.

J.M.

The following is the official account of the destruction of the Gaspee, transmitted by Governor Wanton to the Earl of Hillsborough.

NEWPORT, Rhode Island,
June 16, 1772.

MY LORD: I had the honor to write your Lordship on the 20th inst. I am now reduced to the necessity of addressing your Lordship upon a most disagreeable subject; the destruction of the schooner Gaspee, under the command of Lieutenant W. Dudingston, by persons unknown. The particulars relating to this unwarrantable transaction, so far as I have been able to collect them, are as follows:

On the 9th inst., she run aground on a point of land called Namquit, a little below Pawtuxet, on the Narragansett River, within this Colony. About three quarters of an hour after 12 o'clock at night, there being but one hand on deck, six or seven boats, full of men, were by him discovered drawing towards said schooner; and before many of her hands had time to get upon deck, was boarded by the people in the boats, who, as soon as they had secured the possession of the schooner, took out the captain and all the people and set them ashore on the main land. After which they set fire to the schooner. In the attack, Wm. Dudingston was wounded by a ball through his arm, from whence it passed and lodged in some part of his body.

Mr. Sessions, the deputy governor of this Colony, immediately upon hearing of this unhappy affair, went to Wm. Dudingston, and offered him all the help and assistance in his power, but Mr. Dudingston said he wanted no favors for himself. The deputy governor then told him that he came not only to offer him any relief his distressed circumstances might require, but also to gain a declaration from his own mouth respecting the destruction of the schooner under his command, that proper and rigorous measures might be taken to discover and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Mr. Dudingston answered, he would give him no account because of his indisposition, and also, because it was his duty to forbear any thing of that kind, till he had done it to his commanding officer, at a court martial, to which, if he lived, he must be called, but if he died, he desired it might all die with him.

The deputy governor, with the consent of Mr. Dudingston, then proceeded to examine a number of his men, and on the 11th transmitted copies of the most material of the examinations to me; upon the receipt whereof, I immediately convened such of his Majesty's council and the house of deputies as could be seasonably notified, and laid before them the proceedings of the deputy governor, which they highly approved of, and unanimously recommended my issuing a proclamation, with a reward of £100 sterling for the discovery of any of the persons concerned in this violent insult upon government, which I cheerfully complied with, and sent them into the several towns in this Colony.

This transaction gives me the utmost uneasiness, and your Lordship may be assured, that the utmost vigilance of the civil authority will not be wanting to bring the perpetrators to exemplary and condign punishment; and injustice to the inhabitants of the Colony, I must not omit mentioning, that the conduct of those who committed this outrage is, by them, universally condemned.

I wish, my Lord, those officers who have lately been sent into this Colony, under a pretence of assisting trade, had conducted with that temper, prudence and discretion which persons entrusted with the execution of the laws ought, upon every occasion, to manifest.

In my last, I informed your Lordship, that the inhabitants had been insulted without any just cause, and I am extremely sorry that I have still reason to say, that the trade of this Colony is interrupted in a most unprecedented and oppressive manner, without contributing, in the least, to the service of the revenue. Inward bound vessels have been detained several days without the least colorable pretext, and then delivered up.

One from South Kingstown, for having on board a small quantity of tobacco of the growth of this Colony, which the owner was transporting to Newport for a market; another for having only three or four dozen wine laid in by the Captain for sea stores. The small freight boats plying between the several towns with the produce of the Colony, are, by the severity of these officers, subjected to great inconvenience, which very sensibly affects the whole Colony, particularly the town of Newport, its metropolis, whose inhabitants are principally supplied with the necessaries of life by water, and the obstructions they now experience have contributed not a little to enhance the price of fuel and provisions, to the great disadvantage of the town; and in my humble opinion, if such measures are permitted to be pursued, the Colony will ere long be involved in the deepest calamity.

These, my Lord, are serious and important truths; and as your Lordship, from your thorough knowledge of the Colony, must be perfectly acquainted with the nature and extent of our trade, the profits of which ultimately centering in Great Britain, for the purchase of her manufactures, I have no room to doubt of your Lordship's interposition in behalf of this Colony, that all cause of complaint against any of the King's officers stationed here may be removed, and the inhabitants treated with that respect which is due to the subjects of his Britannic Majesty.

As a proof, my Lord, that the trade of this Colony stands upon as fair and legal a footing as the trade of any part of his Majesty's dominions, out of two hundred sail of vessels which have entered this port since the first day of March last, only two in that number have been prosecuted and condemned for breach of acts of trade, one of which belongs to the Massachusetts Bay, notwithstanding they have been searched and rummaged with the greatest severity. These two vessels, although seized and condemned here, were sent by Capt. Linzee, of the Beaver, and Lieutenant Dudingston, to Boston, for sale, in direct opposition to the orders of the court of Vice Admiralty within this Colony, and the marshal of said court prevented by force from libelling one of these vessels for payment of the mariners' wages.

These, my Lord, are but a few of the many grievances which the people of this Colony have been for months past harassed and perplexed with; but as the General Assembly will be convened, I make no doubt they will order a more particular remonstrance to be made.