Biddeford 3d of March 1777
Sir
Mr Benjamin Nason of this Town has been informed that the Honble Board of War wants a Number of White pine Masts and he having Timber Suitable therefor would be glad to get any Number from fifty to Seventy of Twenty Six Inches and under that bigness wth the usual Number of Bow Sprits and Yards — if you are not already supplied I beg leave to recommend him as a Person whose Contract may be relied upon ー he would deliver the Sticks at Falmouth in the summer 1778 if this proposal is agreeable to you a contract may be sent to me and I will See the Counterpart Authenticated and deliver it safe to you when I come up I am [&c.]
Ja Sullivan
1. Mass. Arch., vol. 152, 89, Board of War Letters, 1776-1777.