Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 4
The Committee to whom was referred a representation of the Attorney General respecting two pirates apprehended at Machias in the County of Lincoln & now confined in the Goal in Boston reported that he had conversed with the Attorney General upon the subject & found that the two pirates were subjects of the british king & that as the witnesses were at Halifax it was adviseable to send them there for trial, because it was uncertain whether the said witnesses would appear if sent to & the keeping of them in Goal must be attended with great expence. The Council took the same into consideration—And thereupon Advised that his Excellency be requested to take Order that they be delivered to Captain Stanhope Commander of the british frigate in the harbour of Boston & that the Attorney General be directed to make a Statement of the matter, & to lay it together with the papers in his possession before the Governor and Council & that his Excellency be requested to forward the same to Governour Parr at Halifax.
True Copy from the Minutes of Council