[Extract]

The Congress have Determined to Build at Continental Expence a number of Ships of war in the united Colonies. to be ready for sea if possible by the last of march next: Have agreed that one, of the Inclosed Dementions, to Cary 32 guns, be Built in our Colony. ² It is proposed that one or 2 persons well skilled in ship building, of approved Integrity, be forthwith appointed to provide the Materials, Employ workmen, oversee the Business, to keep Exact & Regular accounts of the whole to Draw oh the Marine Committe of Congress for money to Cary on the Business, and to be accountable to said Committee; for all which they will be handsomely Rewarded.

As the Ship Building business is out of my Sphere I am unwilling to nominate the said overseers: I am therefore Directed by said Cornmitte to Desire you immediately to Consider of proper overseers also of a proper place for Building Said vessel, both for Safety & Convenience of materials & workmen: She will be about 700 tons; an Exact Draught will be sent forward in a few Days; In the mean time it will be necessary for the overseers to Buy up without Loss of time, Every necessary for Building & fitting out [sai]d Ship, and what Cant be had in our Colony must [be n]otified to the Marine Committe at Philadelphia [so] they may provide it. ³