War-Office, Boston July 9th. 1778—
Gentn:
The Board have determin'd to go forward imediately with the 20 Gun-Ship, order'd to be built by Government,1— We would therefore desire you would come to Boston as soon as May be convenient, & bring with you the draft of the Frigate Boston,2— when no doubt we shall agree with you for building the same.— We are, very respectfully [&c.]
Saml. Ph’ps Savage Prest.
Pr Order
LB, M-Ar, Mass. Archives Collection, vol. 151 (Letters from the Board of War, 1776–1780), p. 189. Addressed at top: “Messrs. Cross & Greenleaf.” Stephen and Ralph Cross and Jonathan Greenleaf were shipbuilders at Newburyport.
1. This ship was authorized by the Massachusetts General Court on 21 April and named Protector in 1779. For its authorization, see Acts and Resolves of the Massachusetts General Court, 21 April. NDAR 12: 160.
2. Continental Navy frigate Boston was built in 1776 by Stephen and Ralph Cross and Jonathan Greenleaf.
