American Colonies during the ReDolutionary War. 57 



It is a matter of record that he was sent to Bermuda (June, ll'lo), 

 just before the event, and that he did not return to Virginia till 

 Nov., 1776. So it would appear that he had other objects in charge 

 beyond the securing of the gunpowder, I do not find that he was 

 accused of having a hand in it at that time. While in Bermuda he 

 was admitted to the local bar. 



It is probable that the American sailors did the actual work of 

 removing the gunpowder, and that some of the inhabitants of Ber- 

 muda may have acted as guides and as pilots for the boats, in that 

 night adventure. 



Shortly after the Rhode Island expedition had sailed and the news 

 of the arrival of the powder had been received, a second vessel was 

 sent from Rhode Island to notify Capt, Whipple. Both vessels 

 reached Bermuda and their people were well received by the inhabi- 

 tants, who told them of the previous capture of the powder. 



It is stated that Capt, Whi{)ple, while there, entertained on board 

 his vessel five members of the Council, who assured him that "the 

 people were hearty friends of the American Cause and heartily dis- 

 posed to serve it." He returned Oct, 20, 1775. 



It appears, from documents, that these vessels anchored off the 

 southwestern end of the islands, and that there Avere British war 

 vessels at the other end. But the latter did not venture to attack 

 the Americans. 



Capt. Whipple was also told that the Governor had notified Gen- 

 eral Gates of the seizure of the powder, and that he had sent from 

 Boston an armed sloop and a transport, which were then in St. 

 George's harbor. 



In accordance with the promises of General Washington, the Con- 

 tinental Congress, in November, soon after the powder had been 

 received, ordered a cargo of provisions sent to Bermuda to relieve 

 the immediate distress of the inhabitants, and also allowed annual 

 shipments ; and later permitted private firms to send cargoes there 

 from several of the Colonies. (See above, p. 49.) It also allowed 

 salt to be brought back in payment for provisions. Moreover, a 

 law was passed, November, 1777, exempting Bermudian vessels from 

 capture by American privateers. This exception was contained in 

 all the letters of marque issued after Nov. 27, 1777. 



Inasmuch as Congress had specifically named the "Summer Islands" 

 among the places with which trade was prohibited, in its act of Aug. 

 1st, the arrival of a large amount of gunpowder from thence through 



