To the public : I the subscriber, Abraham H. Van Vleck, of the city of New-York, merchant, knowing that I have committed a most atrocious crime against my country, by contravening one of the recommendations of the Honourable Continental Congress, in shipping provisions to Nantucket ... do hereby without the least compulsion, make a free and voluntary gift of the sloop Henry, and her cargo ... for the benefit and advantage of the poor of this city ...