In Secret Committee of Congress. Philada. March 27. 1777
Honorable Gentlemen
The present lines will be delivered you by Mr Cumberland Dugan and the design of them only to inform you that this Committee have chartered of him a ship Called the Roxbury, Nathl. Bosworth Master, Iying at Dartmouth & the Brigt. Abigail for which no master is yet fixed Iying in Boston. They are both ordered to the Southern States for Cargoes we have provided on Continental account and as the public service requires our utmost attention to make expeditious remittances to pay for the various supplys wanted for the army from Europe we hope your influence will be exerted to prevent these Vessells being detained by any embargo or other restraint which will much oblige us & serve the great cause we are engaged in.
With great esteem & respect We are on all occasions Honorable Gentn. Your obedt hble servts, By order of the Secret Committee of Congress,
Robt Morris, Chair Man
Receiver’s copy, Massachusetts Secretary of State, Archives Division, Boston. Written and signed by Robert Morns. Endorsed: "In Council April 14, 1777. Read & Ordered that the Naval Officers for the Ports of Dartmouth & Boston do permitt the within mentioned Vessels to proceed on their intended Voyages. Jno Avery Dpy Secry."