Poughkeepsie, October 31 [sic 28], 17762
Gentlemenー
Enclosed we send you an extract from a letter we have just received from the marine committee at Philadelphia. You will see by it we are referred to your Honourable House for directions and advice respecting the launching and securing of the frigates and their stores, which we desire to have as soon as possible. As unless you direct to the contrary, we shall launch the ship Montgomery on Monday [November 41, and the other as soon as possible afterwards. The custom of giving the carpenters a treat at launching, we suppose you would not mean to break through. The master carpenters judge 100 dollars for each ship on that occasion will be reasonable to allow. As we are directed to advise with you, beg your opinion in that matter. We are, gentlemen [&c.]
Augustin Lawrence, Samuel Tuder.
To the Hon. Pierre Van Cortlandt, President of the Convention at Fishkill.
1. New York Provincial Congress, II, 837-38.
2. The Convention was not in session, and this letter was received by the Committee of Safety. The Committee minutes note: "A Letter from Messrs. Tudor & Lawrence, at Poughkeepsie, dated October 28th, informing when the Ships will be launched." Force. comp., American Archives, V, 3, 275. The Journal of the Committee of Safety, October 29, as printed in New York Provincial Congress, I, 692, dates the Tuder-Lawrence letter "Octor. 24th." This is believed to be a typographical error because of the short distance between Poughkeepsie and Fishkill. October 28, the date given by Force, would seem more realistic, and has been used.
