18 Novr 1776
Sir
My Lords Commrs of the Admty having received a Petition from Iver McMillan, first Mate of the Friendship Transport, giving an account that being a Prisoner at Boston he with Jas Parks late Mate of the Lord Howe Transport & another Person got on board the Mermaid Sloop in the Service of the Provincials, & carried her to St Johns in Newfoundland, where she was sold by your Order at a Public Sale for £280 & that you refused to allow him any Part of the Purchase Money, altho he is informed he has a right thereto & therefore praying for relief; I am commanded by their Lordships to send you his Petition herewith and to signify their directions to you to state the Petitioners Case & with your report you will please to return his Petition to &c
P S
Vice Adml Montagu [in] Town
1. PRO, Admiralty 2/553, 206.