This is a large Articles of Agreement (27″ wide by 60″ long) issued to the Brigantine “Hannah” through the Governor of Maryland by George lll on September 19th, 1779. This document gave permission to spend six months at sea patrolling for Britain and Ireland’s enemies on the 200 ton Brigantine Hannah in order to seize ships belonging to rebellious subjects and colonies in American. These were the French, Spanish and American Colonies. It states what the officers and seamen are entitled to on capturing ships. Listed are the positions of the crew and the number of shares they are entitled to with the signatures and seals of the seamen. If a seaman was unable to sign his name, he would sign with an X.
“Provisions were supplied to cruize against His majesty’s enemies, and rebellious subjects six months actually spent at sea.. . Commission is granted to the commander. . . attacking, surprizing, seizing and taking all ships, vessels, goods, wares and merchandise belonging to the French and Spanish Kings, their subjects, or any person inhabiting their countries, territories or dominions; and also a commission to seize and take all ships, vessels and goods belonging to His Majesty’s Rebellious subjects and Colonies in America.” etc.