Philip Stephens. James Holmes, Master of the Friendship has asked to be paid for...

Philip Stephens. James Holmes, Master of the Friendship has asked to be paid for the vessel which was run on shore at Cape Cod and burnt there by the Rebels. This ship was one of those hired by Captain Bourmaster at Boston in February 1776 by order of General Howe. An account from the Captain of March 1776, states she was wrecked near Cape Cod on her passage to New York at the beginning of March 1776. An account for her value was made on us and we wrote to Captain Bourmaster asking for the circumstances of her loss and whether the claim was justified. Are sending a copy of his letter informing the claim is not just (not now attached) Lord Shuldam ordered Roger Edgecombe, a petty Officer, with 13 men from the Chatham, to assist on that passage. He may be able to give a precise account of the loss. Will write to Mr. Edgecombe by the next ship to Newfoundland, where he serves as Lieutenant of the Vestal frigate, to ask whether the transport was bilged or whether she might have been saved if she had not gone ashore on the enemy's coast.