Gentlemen,

Agreeable to your directions we have kept the Most of our Carpenters employd on the Ships,² but as there is not much carpenters work rtow to be done on board and we cannot employ them without great disadvantage to the Ships: would recomend to have them employed cuting Ship Timber to be rode down to some landing when the Slaying is good, which will be ready whenever wanted — Phillip Livingston Esqr informs Mr [Lancaster] Burling that had not this State been invaded we Should have had a Seventy four Gun Ship to build and from the Success of our Arms in the State of New Jersey gives us reason to think that the Timber wont be lost. If we keep the Carpenters on the Ships it will make them come much higher and be a disadvantage to this State in future. Mr. Burling the bearer one of our master builders can give you the fullest information.

There is not much above a week's work for all the Carpenters on the Ship Genl Montgomery. I am with great respect, Gentlemen, [&c.]