Hancock, John (1737-1793) [Partially printed document authorizing the forcible capture of British vessels]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00231 Author/Creator: Hancock, John (1737-1793) Place Written: Providence, Rhode Island Type: Printed document signed Date: 16 March 1778 Pagination: 1 p. ; 21.6 x 33.5 cm. Order a Copy
This document serves as a form by which Continental Congress authorizes the seizure of British ships and crew members in a warlike manner. Originally signed by Hancock during his term as President of the Congress (24 May 1775- 31 October 1777). This particular document authorizes Ebenezer Williams, Commander of the Polly, to seize British vessels. States that the Polly is owned by Andrew Caldwell of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Signed at the bottom by William Mumford, a Secretary, and Rhode Island Governor Nicholas Cooke. Williams' name and other information appear to have been filled into spaces provided on this document by Mumford.
IN CONGRESS.
The DELEGATES of the UNITED COLONIES of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of New-Castle, Kent and Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, South-Carolina, and Georgia, TO All unto whom these Presents shall come, send GREETING: KNOW YE,
THAT we have granted, and by these Presents do grant Licence and Authority to Ebenezer ---Williams Mariner, Commander of the Brig called the Dolly ---of the Burthen of One Hundred and Forty Tons, of thereabouts, belonging to Andrew Caldwell and others --- of Philadelphia in the Colony of Pensylvania ---- mounting Ten --- Carriage Guns, and navigated by Twenty five Men, to fit out and set forth the said Brig~ --- in a warlike Manner, and by with the said Brigantine --- and the Crew thereof, by Force of Arms, to attack, seize, and take the Ships and other Vessels belonging to the Inhabitants of Great-Britain, or any of them, with their Tackle, Apparel, Furniture and Ladings, on the High Seas, or between high-water and low-water Marks, and to bring the same to some convenient Ports in the said Colonies, in Order that the Courts, which are or shall be there appointed to hear and determine Causes civil and maritime, may proceed in due Form to condemn the said Capture, if they be adjudged lawful Prize; the said Ebenezer Williams --- having given Bond, with sufficient Sureties, that Nothing be done by the said Brigantine Dolly --- or any of the Officers, Mariners or Company thereof contrary to, or inconsistent with the Usages and Customs of Nations, and the Instructions, a Copy of which is herewith delivered to him. And we will and require all our Officers whatsoever to give Succour and Assistance to the said Ebenezer Williams --- in the Premises. This Commission shall continue in Force until the Congress shall issue Order to the Contrary. By Order of the Congress,
John Hancock PRESIDENT.
Dated at Providence in the State
[illegible] under my Hand, and the Seal of said State this [illegible]---in the year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven
Hicks Cooke govt.
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