Composite Volumes 8:63 (Bermuda Archives)

Bermuda alias Somer Islands:

By his Excellency William Popple Esq'r, Governor, Commander in Chief, & Vice Admiral of these Islands.

To all to whom this present writing or instrument of protest shall come or may concern, Greeting.

Know ye that this 9th day December 1761 before me personally appeared Thomas Joell Master of a certain sloop called the Ready Money & solemnly made oath on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God that he sailed with the said sloop under his command from the Capes of Philadelphia on the 26th of November bound for New Providence on the 28th of said month mett with a violent gale of wind in the Latitude of 36..10 Longitude 71..28 which lasted for some time, carryed away said sloop's bowspritt & damaged said sloop in such a manner as obliged said appearer to make for these Islands being his nearest port in order to refit said sloop as well to do what was absolutely necessary without which he could not have proceeded his intended voyage. And in like manner also appeared Lewis Johnston mate, & Francis Vesey sailor of & belonging to said sloop who likewise solemnly made oath that all what the above Thomas Joell hath before deposed is true. Wherefore the said Thomas Joell for himself his mariners owners freighters and all others whom it doth or may concern does solemnly protest against the matters aforesaid and all damages occasioned or sustained thereby against all costs delays disappointments expences & other matters & things which can or may lawfully be protested against in as large and ample manner as the same case or may be done by law or form and presevering in the said protest the said appearers have hereunto set their hands the day & year aforesaid.
Thomas Joell
Lewis Johnston
Francis Vesey

By his Excell'ys command __ John Keeling, D Secretary

This same and protested before me the Governor & Vice Admiral aforesaid. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & cause the public seal of these Islands to be affixed the day & year aforesaid.
Wm. Popple Esq.