Petersburg 1st Jany 1777.
Sir,
In conformity to The Hble Board of Commissioners, I have purchased the Sloop Agatha & am requested to have her fitted out for a Trading Voyage wh all expedition, must therefore intreat of you to furnish Capt Rob Elam who has her in charge, with such necessary Cordage & Riging as he may think proper to direct with the greatest despatch & much Oblige Sir [&c.]
Thos Shore Agent
1. Public Rope Walk Papers, 1777, VSL. Thomas was superintendent of the ropewalk at Warwick, Virginia.