Elijah Hall to the American Commissioners
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<The Ranger, June 3, 1778: I request, for the officers and crew,
that you find some way to sell the prizes. We are short of necessities,
and have distressed families at home. Captain Jones
has deceived us: he tricked us into enlisting for longer than we
thought and promised us wages that have not been paid. He
put Lieutenant Simpson, whose character is of the best, in a
common gaol, whereas we beg that he be suitably housed until
sent home. The Captain charges his officers with neglecting
discipline, whereas a crew was never more willing to fight, as
our late action proves. No man of spirit can serve cheerfully
under him; if I cannot be where I am of use to my country, I
beg to resign. Despite my best efforts to keep peace on board,
the men are determined not to sail with the Captain except to
America. We have been out for seven months and not two at
sea; our time is spent in useless refitting. We have 300 mouths
to feed, and M. Bersolle denies us all supplies. Please do something
for us.>
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