Sir/

You'l Receive by Capt. [John] Mercier of the Sloop Beaufort Two Eighteen pounders (Carriage Guns) to be Mounted on board the Galley you are Building for this State, You'l please have them fitted in such manner as will best answer the purpose for which they are Intended. We think they may be fitted on Skids in such manner as to point at least two points on Either Bow. We are Informed the Guns on board the Georgia Galleys are fitted in that manner In regard to the Masting the Galley we have no Objection to such as you Mention, but would recommend longpole heads to Each, so that a Flying Topsail may be set to [half line break in both copies] may be very square so that as much Can [break] spread on her as can be to Advantage. We [break] recommend that you fitt as many stocks for ー several Guns as can Conveniently be mounted on [break] you get her finished with all posible dispatch [break] Capt. Merciers Sloop wants some Necessary Alterations to make her fitt to Mount Guns, You'l please do whatever he may think Necessary to her, and pray Dispatch her as soon as posible as we are in great want of her for Immediate Service. by Order of the Board