Revolutionary War-dated manuscript document, one page, 7.75 x 12.5, circa November 1776. Document with Maryland Navy outfitting account for the accounts of the Schooner Resolution and the Tender Amelia, likely the accounts made by Jesse Hollingsworth of the Maryland Council of Safety. The accounting is interesting, with entries for "Beer," "189 LBs of Beef," "Drum fish," and other provisions, as well as pay for individuals including James Nicholson, Esq., Captain of the Defence. In very good condition, with scattered light staining, and complete separation along its three horizontal folds, repaired on the reverse with archival tape.
The Continental Navy was authorized by the Continental Congress on October 13, 1775. The original intent was to intercept the supply of arms and provisions to British soldiers, who had placed Boston under martial law. Gen. George Washington had already informed Congress that he had assumed command of several ships for this purpose, and individual governments of various colonies had outfitted their own warships, including Maryland.
By the end of October 1775, Congress authorized the purchase and outfitting of four armed vessels. Although the Navy was to play only a minor role in the war, the success of American privateers in interrupting British trade was an important factor aiding the patriot cause. The various Committees or Councils of Safety, such as Maryland, also acquired merchant vessels for use in support of the Continental Navy.
The Schooner Resolution was acquired by the Maryland Council of Safety for use by the Maryland Navy in March 1776. It was a 49-foot, 56-ton ship used as a tender for the Maryland Navy ship Defence, a 22-gun ship. It would be captured by the British ship Lowenstoffe in March of 1777. James Nicholson, who commanded the Defence, Trumbull, and Virginia, aided in Washington's victory at the Battle of Trenton and was made senior captain in the Continental Navy due to political influence.
The Tender Amelia was acquired by the Maryland Council of Safety for use by the Maryland Navy in July 1776 as tender to the schooner Dolphin, acquired at the same time. An interesting and extremely early American naval document.
