Williamsburg [Va.] 24 July 1778.
Sir
You will please to proceed immediatly over to Gloucester County, and apply to Captain John Young, who has at present the Command of the Schooner May Flower, and is now having her Caulked and fitted properly for the reception of a Cargo,1 as soon as she is in readiness, bring her up to the landing Called Blasinghams on Queens Creek, then come to Town to receive orders, for loading.2 At present I conceive Captain Young has more hands than are immediatly necessary for his use, therefore you will apply for such as he can Conveniently spare,3 if not a sufficient Number, you must engage others of the best terms you can, giving a preference to Stout able Bodied Negro's which I have always found may be hired at lower Wages, and be made to do more duty then Common white men, Be cautious and run no risk in coming two far up the Creek, make what dispatch you can—I am [&c.]
Thomas Smith
LB, Vi, Thomas Smith Letter Book, 1777–1778, pp. 94–95. Addressed before opening: "Captain Thomas Gibbons.”
1. On 27 July, Smith ordered Gibbons to take the Virginia trading schooner Mayflower to “Fraizers Ferry on Mattapony River" and there have the vessel "over hauled properly, such repairs as are really wanting, to put her in good order; to receive a cargo, you will please to have done on the best terms you can.” Ibid., p. 99.
2. On 27 July, Smith informed Gibbons that the cargo was "A Loade of Powder, for Fredericksburg." Ibid. By “Town," Smith means Williamsburg. See also, Smith to Capt. John Young, this date, immediately below.
3. Young was to command a new vessel that was about to be launched. See, Smith to Young, this date, immediately below.