War Office [Boston] June. 9th. 1778.
The foregoing is a Copy of our last,1 since which, we have yr: favour by yr: W: H2 of the 26th. April—3 We have this day conversed with your good father, upon the Advance you have so generously made us; & the means of repaying it, as soon as possible; that your Credit may not suffer by the Obligation laid upon this Board, We have even offered your Father the current Cash; in case he might know any method of investing it immediately, or we should be very happy in answering any bill you should think fit to draw upon us here; and you may depend upon it, that should nothing earlier or better offer before, we will exert ourselves to the utmost to collect proper Cargoes in the fall, to discharge the debt, &c to make you all the Compensation in our Power, for this involuntary delay.—
We are not altogether without hopes that Capt: Lambert4 in the Massachusetts may have been fortunate enough to have sent you in a good Prize 'eer this, but be this as it may, we pledge the Credit of the State for as early a Reimbursement as Possible.—We are Gentn. with a due Sence of your favours—& readiness to acquit ourselves to yr: Satisfaction [&c.]
Saml: Phps Savage, Prest: P Order.
LB, M-Ar, Mass. Archives Collection, vol. 151 (Letters from the Board of War, 1776–1780), pp. 184–85. Addressed at top: “Messrs. Willm. & Godfry Hutchinson."
1. Probably President of Massachusetts Board of War to William and Godfrey Hutchinson, 15 May, in NDAR 12: 356–57.
2. William Hutchinson, of Martinique.
3. Letter not found.
4. Capt. John Lambert, commanding Massachusetts Navy brigantine Massachusetts.