Boston December 23, 1776
[Extract] Sir
Having been informed the Army were in distress for want of clothing and there being a quantity on board a Prize lately brought into this port by Captains Skimmer and Tucker, in the Service of the United States,2 I have forwarded to the Army at or near New York the several articles contained in the enclosed Invoice. I should have had them appraised before they were forwarded but found they would not be without the States suffering thereby, therefore they were forwarded to the Quartermaster General with a desire he would have them appraised before they were made use of; which I hope will be agreeable to Congress.
1. Papers CC (Letters addressed to Congress, 1775-89), 78, XXIII, 335, NA.
2. The brig Lively, taken by Washington's schooners Franklin and Hancock.