[Philadelphia] July 29th 1778
John Wereat Esqr. Sir
Inclosed is a list of Timber wanted for repairing Two of our Continental Frigates which were partly burn’d by the Enemy while at this place.1 It is our request that on receipt hereof, you immediately provide a Suitable Vessel, put on board of her the Timber Specified in Said List and dispatch her for this Port, ordering the Captain to use all expedition in the Voyage.
As there is a considerable quantity of Timber belonging to the Public in your State and under your care, which will be wanted at this place for the use of our Navy— we now direct that you take speedy measures for sending it round here. In procuring Vessels for that purpose we have no doubt but you will be as attentive to the Interests of the States as possible. We are Sir [&c.]
LB, DNA, PCC, Marine Committee Letter Book, fol. 167 (M332, roll 6).
1. Continental frigates Effingham and Washington were burned during the British raid up the Delaware River in May 1778. The frigates were never rebuilt.
2. In shipbuilding, timbers are any principal piece of wood in the structure, especially the ribs or frames to which the outside planking is attached. Foot hooks or futtocks are curved sections of transverse frames extending from the vessel’s floor timbers to its top timbers, which are the uppermost pieces in the frame. Hawse is the neck or extreme fore end of a ship. Counter timbers are transom frames forming a vessel’s rounded surface between stern-post and rail. Encyclopedia of Nautical Knowledge, pp. 109, 189, 224, and 561.
