Sir/ We are sorry to find by yours of the 2d Instant that there are no Carpenters at the Yard Mr Caleb Herbert is not yet returned from Norfolk as soon as we see him shall endeavour to prevail on him and his people to go and finish the Washington in the mean Time request you to be as assiduous as possible in procuring what you can (in our last we informed you of the rise of Wages) let them be informed for their Encouragement that the Governor & Council has determined that all Carpenters employed in the Public Yards shall be exempt from Militia Duty and have their Order to this Purpose. —

Navy Board
4th Sept. 1777