The following list, dated January 1778 and granting power of attorney as prize agent to Major Richard Reed begins “We the Subscribers, officer as well as Seaman belonging to the Ship Boston Commanded by Samuel Tucker, Esq.,” is transcribed from two Revolutionary War pension documents. The list appears in different formats in the pension applications of both William Goss, Jr’s widow Susannah (aka Susan) #R-4148 and the widow of Midshipman Philip Follett, Sarah Smith Follett Reynolds #W-24751. The differences in each, particularly in spelling and notations of rate or quality on the vessel, indicate both are imperfect transcriptions of the original. Other documents in Sarah Reynolds’ pension application indicate signee Benjamin Reed was one of the frigate Boston’s Lieutenants, as well as, Follett’s uncle and also identifies William Jennison as Lieutenant of Marines. Susan Goss’ application indicates John Goss and William Goss, Jr. were brothers and that William Goss, Jr was raised by the ship’s Pilot, his grandfather. This list was drafted just one month prior to the frigate Boston’s cruise conveying John Adams and his son John Quincy to France. The vessel returned to Portsmouth, NH on 15 October 1778.
Benjamin Tucker, First Mate
John Vickery, Mate
Phillip Follett, Midshipman [Died 25 February 1778 at Marblehead]
James Quilly, Ship’s Cook
John Goss, Boy
William Goss, Ship’s Pilot
William Goss, Jr, Boy
Jacob Tucker, Junior Boy
George Snowden, Mate
Elias Bordon, Quarter Master
Jacob Tucker, Quarter Master
Phillip Mohyes, Quarter Master
Richard Webber, Boy
Samuel Gatchell, Boy
John Davis, Boatswain’s Mate
John Fox Bosuns Mate
Aaron Keith, Capt Tailor
Jeremiah Mahoney Chief Bs Mate
William Roberts
Henry Payton, Mate
Nath’l Pearce, Purser
Nath’l Pearce, Jun’r, Boy
John Pearce ye 5th, Boy
Thomas Brimblecom
James Harris, Boy of Goss
Benjamin Reed [Lieutenant]
Phillip Mohyes
Joseph Proctor for son
Richard Horton, Mid’n
Joshua Goss, Mid’n [Prize Master, taken & committed to Forton Prison 28 August 1778]
Thomas Brimblecom, Jun’r, Boy
Andrew Richardson
Joseph Hobart, Mate [crossed out]
John Fowler
Thomas Colley
John Maine