Eagle Hudson's River
July the 9th 1777.
Number 36.
Sir,
The Troops destined to be employed on the Service the General proposes for the next Object of his Attention, being embarked, I shall be to wait only for his Requisition to put to Sea with the Armament, consisting of the Ships of War and Transports expressed in the Return enclosed.2
The General requiring a larger Provision of Ships to be made for Transport Service than the Number present will admit, to be held in Readiness for his further purposes; I have been obliged to direct a Quantity of Shipping to the Amount of about One Thousand seven hundred Tons to be chartered for the Service of Government, in Addition to the former Proportion. The Particulars of the Contract are necessarily postponed for the proper Documents to be collected, and will be transmitted by a future Opportunity.
I am, with great Consideration, Sir [&c.]
P.S. Herewith You will also receive a Return of the State and Condition of the Ships of War at this Port.
[Endorsed] No 36 9 July 1777 New York Lord Viscount Howe R 22d Augt (3 Inclosures)
