It was early June 1775. The people of Machias had survived a difficult winter. They anxiously awaited the return of two familiar schooners, Unity and Polly, carrying food to replenish their meager stores. The vessels were owned by Ichabod Jones, a trader from Boston with personal and business ties to Machias. By the time spring arrived, Jones had resumed normal business activity by sending lumber to Boston with plans to return to Machias with a cargo of food. But this trip would be different. Because of the deteriorating relations between the Colonies and the British, Jones planned to move his household goods to Machias where he and his family had spent the winter.
The Boston Port Act of 1774 now required that Admiral Samuel Graves authorize all sailings from the city. Before approval was granted, Jones agreed to return to Boston with lumber needed by General Thomas Gage to build barracks for his troops. To ensure Jones's compliance, the admiral ordered the armed sloop Margaretta, under the command of his relative, Midshipman James Moore, to accompany the Unity and Polly to Machias and back.
