The Declaration of Capt. David Lawrence certified by Nathaniel Minor. September 11, 1778

Autograph Document Signed by Justice of the Peace Nathaniel Minor. Tall bifolium, the testament contained on the first leaf, and docketed on the last leaf. Old folds and a little soiling, but a very nice and near fine document. A deposition taken of Captain ".David Lawrence Master of the small sloop called The John." who had been captured by the British ".with his mates, passengers & seamen were all Inhabitants of the Free United States of America and that they were all friends of the same" and had been transported to Jamaica. At Jamaica, Lawrence and other Americans, taken from various vessels, were impressed to sail a merchant vessel laden with rum, sugar, and molasses in company of 50 ships under convoy of three British war ships to Halifax. After having been part of the convoy for several days, ".he then parted with them and made the best of his way for some safe port in the United States, and that on the 9th ins. he made Block Island, soon after which he discovered several ships which he took to be British, Two of which gave chase to him, on which he rushed for this place. ." The deposition further notes that Lawrence's account is confirmed by British Office Papers and the testament of the passengers and ".some of his men being known here, and recommended by friends. They are therefore hearby recommended to all friends of the United States." An interesting document, such nautical accounts are seldom encountered for the Revolutionary War period.…