The American Commissioners: Petition to the
Massachusetts Council and House of Representatives
AL: Clements Library, University of Michigan; AL (draft): Massachusetts
Historical Society; copy: National Archives
<Passy, May 22, 1778: Mr. Joseph Parker of London has asked
us to write to you about his property in a vessel that has been
in public hands since the spring of 1775. We have reason to
think that he is a worthy man, a friend of America; further
detention of his property will ruin him and his family. The ship
was held, we understand, on an order from the General Court
before September 10, 1775; if so, he may be thought to have
suffered a hardship. We petition that his case be settled as soon
as possible, and we hope favorably.
Although at the beginning of the war considerable American
property was in the hands of British merchants or in government
funds, as far as we know none of it has been confiscated
or inquired about. For us to set the first example of
severity would be imprudent, especially when the law of nations
gives subjects of states at war at least six months’ grace
to withdraw their effects.>
629890 = 026-517a.html