Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23534, James Bates, Continental Privateer R.I.
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[seal]
By his excellency William Greene Esquire, Governor, Captain-General, and commander in chief of and over the state of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.
To James Bates.   Gentleman, Greeting.
You James Bates- being by the general assembly elected and chosen to the place and office of ensign of the first company or trained band of the town of Exeter-in the county of Kings County in the state aforesaid are hereby in the name of the governor and the company of the said state authorized, empowered and commissioned to exercise the office of ensign of and over the company aforesaid: and command, guide and conduct to fame or any part thereof: and in case of an invasion or assault o a common enemy infest or disturb this plantation you are to alarm and gather together the company under your command or such part as you shall deem efficient and therewith to the utmost of your skill and ability you are to resist, expel, kill and destroy the same in order to preserve the interest of the good people in these parts.  you are to also follow such instructions, directions and orders, as shall from time to time, be further given forth, either by the general assembly to governor or general council, or other your superior officers.  and for your doing, this commission shall be your sufficient Warrant and discharge.
Given under my hand and seal of the said state, the nineteenth day of June -in the year of our lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty and in the fourth year of [] By his excellency's command, Henry Wards[]. W. Greene