Poughkeepsie, 2nd December, 1776.
Gentlemen —
We have just received a letter from the marine committee, directing us in every matter to take your directions. We shall proceed with the ships as soon as wind will permit.2 When we leave the yard, there will be a quantity of plank, timber, and stores left, which we beg your advice what to do with. We think it would be prudent to pile up the plank and timber, and lock the stores up in the shops. It may likewise be prudent to have a man to take care of them. It has been hinted to us that you intend building floating batteries; if so, we conceive our carpenters (the bulk we have just discharged) would be very useful to you, and may now engage, though some are daily going away; the sooner you let us know whether you want them the better. We are, gentlemen, [&c.]
Saml. Tuder
1. New York Provincial Congress, I, 731.
2. The Continental frigates built at Poughkeepsie.
