Murray, Joseph (fl. 1777) to Colonel Waite
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.206 Author/Creator: Murray, Joseph (fl. 1777) Place Written: Boothbay, Maine Type: Letter signed Date: 29 August 1777 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 23.5 x 19.5. Order a Copy
Informs that a British Naval Officer, Sir George Collier arrived in Booth Bay, Maine, last Tuesday on board his ship, the Rainbow. Refers to Collier's capture of the Hancock commanded by Captain John Manly and destruction of thirty other vessels at Machias, Maine, on 8 July 1777. States that Collier and his forces took one sloop and tried to take another but the American troops attacked them. States that Collier promised that the militia have gone home but he still remains and Murray believes he might attempt to strike again. States that three Continental frigates are at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and if they came to Booth Bay, the Rainbow would be "easy prey." Mentions that this would make up for Captain Manly's loss of the Hancock. Murray was said to be a spy. Labelled "a copy."
Collier was appointed in 1775 to the command of the Rainbow and cruised on the American coast. On 8 July he captured the Hancock, commanded by Captain Manly, destroyed the magazines and stores at Machias and thirty vessels on the northeast coast.
…Sir George Collioer in the Rain Bow wth Dawson as an Attendant arrived in this Harbour last tuesday, they took one Sloop & Attempted another immediatly [sic] on there coming in but our people Attacked them killed (as they say) two & wounded several more since which the Commodore has come to give promises & the Militia have gone home, he shall lyes [sic] here & it seems probable he has no thots. of going off soon, he still Acts. as if he intends another quarrel with us we heare [sic] that three Continental frigates are at Portsmo. ready for Sea, if they would come heare [sic] immediatly [sic] this ship would be an easy prey she has but 333 Men a fever & flux rages among them if you would find as Express to Portsmo. they Courtey [sic] would thank you & if the Ship come they will more than repair Manly's Loss …
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