1. The legality of this capture was questionable because the Concord’s cargo was consigned to a private agent in Boston, not to the British army. See item 2 of Instructions to Captain Nicholson Broughton, 2 Sept. 1775. On 4 Dec. Stephen Moylan wrote to Jonathan Glover and William Bartlett: “His Excellency has no doubt, but as the Enemy are seizing & making prizes of our Vessels every day, that Reprizals should be made; But not thinking himself Authorized to declare Vessels taken, transporting Goods from English or British owners for their Agents here, lawful captures, he has thought it expedient to refer the matter to the determination of Congress, for which purpose an Express is to set out with every necessary Letter & paper [that] were found on board Captain Lawrie—If the ship can be kept entirely Secure from the Enemy & Run into any place where there would be no risk of the Enemy getting her again, His Excellency would Advise the Cargoe to be kept on board & an officer & Guard to prevent an Embezzlement or loss—If this cannot be done, she must be unladened & the Goods Secured till further Orders” (DLC:GW). For the question of the legitimacy of this prize, see GW to Hancock, 4 and 7 Dec., and Hancock to GW, 22 Dec. 1775. For the refloating of the Concord and the disposal of her cargo, see William Palfrey to GW, 3 and 5 Dec., and William Bartlett to GW, 11 Dec. (first letter) and 14 Dec. 1775.