[York, Pa.] June 18th 1778
Gentlemen
This will be handed you by Captain Peter Landais whom Congress has appointed to take Command of the new frigate Alliance.1 We desire you will put that Vessel under his care and use your utmost endeavours to have her speedily fitted and manned for the sea. We have desired Captain Landais to proceed as far as Portsmouth in New Hampshire to give his advice as to the Construction of the 56 Gun ship now building there,2 he will afterwards return and attend the fitting & manning of the frigate which he is to command, and in which we doubt not you will find him very assidious You will please to pay him the balance of his wages at the Rate of Sixty Dollars per month from the date of his Commission. He hath not been paid any money at this place only what we agreed to allow for his travelling Expences to Boston.3 Inclosed is a Resolution of this Committee passed in consequence of a memorial from Sundry Captains of French Merchant Ships which you will please to order to be duly executed.4 We are Gentn [&c.]
LB, DNA, PCC, Marine Committee Letter Book, fol. 158 (M332, roll 6). Addressed before opening: “The Commissioners of the Navy Board at Boston."
1. Congress' appointment is dated 19 June. JCC 11:625.
2. Continental Navy ship of the line America.
3. The committee wrote Capt. Pierre Landais on the same date repeating much of what they wrote in their letter to the board. Concerning Landais' compensation, they did add that they had “agreed that the consideration of a gratuity to be made you be deffered until we shall be enabled by consulting with Silas Deane Esqr. to judge with propriety what sum will be adequate to your services." DNA, PCC, Marine Committee Letter Book, fol. 159 (M332, roll 6).
4. The resolution has not been found, but it concerned "A memorial from Tallemon and others, French captains in the port of Boston ... complaining of an affront offered by the captain of the Warren frigate [John Burroughs Hopkins] to their commandant, and praying redress.” Congress referred the matter to the Marine Committee on 16 June. JCC 11: 608.
