Navy Board December 17th 1777—
Sir/
The Commissioners of the Navy desire that you will with all possible Dispatch have the Brigg: Polly—of which you are Capt. 1 fitted and Maned to proceed on a Cruise, and whatever Stores or Provissions may be wanted, you are to deliver an Indent to the Commissary for the Naval Department, who is directed to Supply them, And in Order that no delay may happen for want of Assistance, you are directed to hire a Sufficient Number of Negroes to fill your Water and Cut your wood &c. while the Seamen are Employed about your Rigging, Guns, &c:—they make no doubt but you will Exert yourself in a very particular Manner on this Occasion as the Service of the State requires the greatest Dispatch—You are Likewise desired Immediately to Open a house of Rendezvous under the Direction of a Proper Officer to Enlist a Sufficient number of Men to make your Compliment Ninety—The State will Allow a Bounty of Ten Dollars ⅌ Man to such as will Enlist—2
By Order of the Board John Calvert Clerk
To Captn Hezekiah Anthony Commanding the Brigg Polly
Salley, ed., South Carolina Commissioners, 119–20.
1. Anthony, prior to becoming captain of the privateer General Washington, held a second lieutenant's commission in the South Carolina Navy. See NDAR 7: 440, 498.
2. On 22 Dec. the South Carolina Navy Board sent a similar letter to Capt. Charles Morgan of the brig Fair American. Salley, ed., South Carolina Commissioners, 123.
