Gentlemen

We are informed by a Letter from the Captains of the Continental Frigates in Hudsons River that the General officers sent by His Excellency General Washington to veiw the fortications and obstructions in Said River were of opinion that the frigates would be serviceable in defending and covering the same and we find by an extract from your Minutes enclosed that you were of the same opinion.—

In consequence whereof we have now given orders to the said Captains to have the frigates put in as good a State of defence as can be admitted, and to follow and obey such orders as they may receive from General Washington or the Commanding officer who may direct the operations in that quarter. We must beg your Assistance in getting the ships fitted, and we now take the liberty to enclose a sufficient number of blank Commissions & Warrants for the Lieutenants and other officers who are to be appointed temporary until such time as we are sufficiently informed that they are well qualified for the Stations in which they may be put, therefore you will please to fill the Commissions with this proviso. & we have required the Captains to join in your researches for men of good Character whom you can freely recommend for a permanent establishment in our Navy. We must further beg leave to trouble you to send us a List of their Names, Stations, & qualifications & have the honor to be Gentlemen

Your hble servants