[Extract]
[No.] 219

It is my intentions, that besides the Vessels which have already been employed, those taken from the Rebels should .be fitted out in the most formidable and useful! manner of which they are capable, and that a new ship be put upon the stocks, and compleated as fast as possible, to mount twenty twelve pounders if we can get them. I have acquainted Captain [Thomas] Pringle and Mr Shanks of those matters, and the latter has been desired to draw up a state of the arrangement necessary to make for the carrying the design best into execution, and of the workmen and materials which will be required for the Compleating it, which, when he has done, I shall give such orders upon, as the Consideration of his proposals may make necessary. In the mean time I shall approve of any directions you may think proper to give for the forwarding of these purposes.