The Ranger’s Officers to the American Commissioners
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<The Ranger, May 30, 1778: Our friend and fellow officer,
Lieut. Thomas Simpson, was sent aboard the Drake on April 24
to command the prize. His orders were to keep close, and on
May 4 he was taken in tow. The next morning the Captain gave
chase to a ship to leeward, and Mr. Simpson was ordered to
cast off and make sail. He misunderstood, along with his officers,
because the usual signal for wearing ship was not given,
and thought that he was to keep on course. This is the supposed
offense for which he has been confined, first on shipboard
and then in a common, dirty jail, with no provision for
his support and cut off from every one. Such treatment is unheard
of and inhumane, and threatens the cause on which we
are engaged. He has the respect of all who knew him, and has
always behaved as an officer and gentleman. We earnestly request
that he be brought speedily to trial, if not here then in
America. Signed by Elijah Hall, lieutenant, David Cullam,
master, and Ezra Green, surgeon.>
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