Moses Gerrish was graduated at Harvard College in 1762, and reputed a
man of considerable ability. Enoch Gerrish, perhaps a brother of Moses,
was a farmer in Lancaster who left his home, was arrested and imprisoned
in York County, and thence removed for trial to Worcester by order of
the council, May 29, 1778. The following letter uncomplimentary to these
two loyalists is found in Massachusetts Archives (cxcix, 278).

Sir. The two Gerrishes Moses & Enoch, that ware sometime since
apprehended by warrant from the Council are now set at Libberty by
reason of that Laws Expiring on which they were taken up. I would
move to your Hon'rs a new warrant might Isue, Directed to Doc'r.
Silas Hoges to apprehend & confine them as I look upon them to be
Dangerous persons to go at large. I am with respect your Hon'rs.
most obedient Hum. Ser't.

JAMES PRESCOTT.

Groton 12 of July 1778.

To the Hon'e Jereh. Powel Esq.

An order for their rearrest was voted by the council. Moses Gerrish
finally received some position in the commissary department of the
British army, and, when peace was declared, obtained a grant of free
tenancy of the island of Grand Menan for seven years. At the expiration
of that time, if a settlement of forty families with schoolmaster and
minister should be established, the whole island was to become the
freehold of the colonists. Associated with Gerrish in this project was
Thomas Ross, of Lancaster. They failed in obtaining the requisite number