Sir

The Marine Committee judging it of the utmost consequence that the frigate Virginia should be got to sea as soon as possible and finding it impracticable to procure the necessary Articles for the Ship without whi.ch she cannot proceed to Sea have determined to send to Philadelphia for them, and have sent the Bearer an Officer of Captain Nicholsons to expedite the business; And I am now in the name of the Marine Committee to request you will immediately order such of the articles as are mentioned in the inclosed memorandum and can readily be got in Philadelphia to be forwarded here without loss of time in such manner as you shall judge best, the bearer will afford every aid in his power. I should think that it would be no diservice in taking an Anchor and the Cables from one of the Frigates in Philadelphia as you can with much more ease replace them there than we can procure them here, and all your Frigates are not in the readiness the Virginia is, and indeed she waits only for these articles. I submit it to you to conduct as you think most for the Public service, but with respect to the Anchor and Cables and Rigging, it is of the utmost importance they should be sent. Two Carts put together would easily effect this, let the expense be ever so great, but care should be taken to prevent the Cables chaffing, by matting the turns or puting Canvas round the parts liable to rub against the waggon, but I need not give you any hints of this kind. I wish we may have as many of the articles as can be got, I know you will exert yourself to effect this business. I am in behalf of the Marine Committee Sir Your very hble servant

P: S: the inclosed Letter to Commodore Hopkins I leave open for your perusal please to seal and forward it by first good opportunity.² —