Passi, July 13th. 1778
Sir,
As we understand The Boston in her last Cruise, did not sail so well as formerly, We apprehend, that this Alteration has been made by some change in her Ballast: for which Reason, you are directed, if you judge it necessary, to take out your present Ballast, to apply to Mr. Schweighauser at Nantes, and take from him such Articles, as he may have to send to America, which may be stowed away in your Ship, without Hindrance to her sailing or fighting, and to take from him also, a Quantity of Lead, to be used as Ballast untill you arrive in America, and then delivered to the Continental Agent, informing Congress or the Navy Board by Letter.1
You are then to join Captain Whipple and to pursue his Orders respecting your future Cruises and Voyage to America.2 If Lt. Simpson of the Ranger should apply to You for a passage to America, in the Boston, you will afford him Accommodations according to his Rank.3 We are
Copy, DNA, PCC, item 84, vol. 1, p. 155 (M247, roll 111). Addressed below close: “Capt. Tucker.” Notation: “(Copy).”
1. On the same day, the commissioners wrote Jean-Daniel Schweighauser ordering him to load Boston with “such Articles” as Tucker informed him he could take to America, including a “Quantity of Lead,” which is “much wanted in America and is excellent for Ballast.” DNA, PCC, item 84, vol. 1, p. 155 (M247, roll 111). On 1 August, James Moylan wrote the commissioners informing them that Tucker had received their instructions to “take on board some goods here, but that as the wind was fair, he determined not to wait for them.” PPAmP, Benjamin Franklin Papers, vol. 11, fol. 1.
2. See the commissioners to Capt. Abraham Whipple, this date, immediately below.
3. On 16 July, the commissioners wrote Lt. Thomas Simpson ordering him to take command of Ranger and to sail to America in it. See the American Commissioners in France to Lieutenant Thomas Simpson, 16 July, below.
