426 Appendix.

Moreton of Baltimore Town as Custom House Officer appointed
by the Honble the Commrs of Boston, of a Sloop Called the Speed-
well then Riding at anchor in Patapsaco River Said to be a Square
Sturn vessel and belonging to New England, that a Libel was filed
against the Said Sloop, inconsequence whereof his Honour the Judge
issued his Warrant to William Nevin Marshall of the Said Court
to take possession of the Said vessel, but that before the Said Wil-
liam Nevin could get to Baltimore the Said Sloop was carried off.
His Excellency was therefore pleased to request the advise of this
Board in the above Matter.

Whereupon William Nevin was Called and appeared before this
Honourable Board, who being first duly Sworn—Deposeth and Said,
that on Monday the third instant he went up to Baltimore Town with
a warrant to take into his possession the Sloop Speedwell Said to
be a Square Stern vessel Seized by Robert Moreton and Libelled in
the Admiralty Court of this Province, that after his arrival in Balti-
more he made immediate and diligent Search for the Said vessel,
but could not find her, and that he was informed She left Baltimore,
the day before that the Said William Nevins Called at the house of
M^r Robert Moreton Several times but Could not find him at home
nor get any intelligence where he was, except that he received a
Note from Said Moreton directing him, Should he be wanted to
apply at the Custom House at Philadelphia, which Note the Said
William Nevin exhibited to this Board.

On Consideration of the premises His Excellency with the advice
of this Board was pleased to order that a Copy of the following
Letter be Sent to the Several Collectors of his Majestys Customs
with in this province.

(and which is as followeth.) Viz.^t
Sirs,

I am directed by his Excellency the Governor, with the advice of
the Council to acquaint the Several Collectors of his Majestys Cus-
toms within this province that M^r Robert Moreton an officer ap-
pointed by the Honble the Commrs of Boston, hath lately filed a
libel in the Admiralty Court here against a Sloop then riding at
Anchor in Patapsco River Called the Speedwell Said to be a Square
Sterned vessel and to belong to New England, but before the
Marshall of the Court could get up to Baltimore in order to take
the vessel into his possession She was carried off.

His Excellency therefore desires you will not on any account
clear out the Said Sloop Should application be made to you for that
purpose but take the first oppertunity of Seizing her that may offer
and acquaint the Honble G. Steuart Esq.^r Judge of the Admiralty
Court of this province immediately therewith—

I am &c: