Sir
For the better regulating of the Distribution of Provisions & for other good purposes we think proper to direct, that the Captains of the Continental Vessels now in this Port, shall every Monday Morning deliver into this Office regular and exact Muster Rolls of the Officers & Men belonging to their Respective Vessels We therefore give you this Notice of our Expectations, not doubting but you will govern yourself accordingly.
We are yr Friends
John Nixon John Wharton Fras Hopkinson
Continental Navy board Philada June 24th 1777 —
P.S. We desire you would move your Brig down to the Piers at Fort Island & lay her there till further Orders.
Fras Hopkinson John Wharton John Nixon
To John Ashmead Esqr Commander on Board the Mercury2
1. American Mss, 803, 229, HSP.
2. Continental packet.
