Navy Board [Charleston] Saturday 12th Octr. 1776ー
The Board met according to adjournment.
Present. Edward Blake first Commissrー
Thomas Savage, Josiah Smith Jun Geo Abbot Hall, Thomas Corbett, Roger Smith, George Smithー
Read several applications to the Board for the Clerk's office & then proceeded to choose a Clerkー
Mr. John Calvert was declared unanimously Elected to be Clerk of this Board & he took the following Oath of qualification vizt.
I John Calvert do swear that I will well & truly execute the duties of my Office as Clerk of the Navy Board to the best of my skill & Judgement & that I will faithfully keep secret the Business of the. said Board, when requir'd
So help me God
Received a Muster Roll of the Brigt.. Defence
do a Muster Roll of the Brigt.. Comet
The following Letter was sent to Capt. Thomas Pickering
Capt. Thomas Pickering
You are hereby required to use the utmost diligence in Manning the Brigt. Defence under your Command & getting her ready for Sea, in particular we recommend that you take the most effectual means, for recovering the Seamen who have deserted from your Vessel as speedily as possible if they are to be found in Town & make a return to the Navy Board of your Compliment of Men by Tuesday next at Nine OClock in the Morning
A similar Letter was also sent to Capt. Edward Allen Commander of the Brigt. Comet: