His Excellency Thomas Johnson Esqr/Sir
I have got the galley to Baltimore where she's to fitt out & have applied to Messrs. Lux & Bowley for rigging who informs me that he has none for us, I have also applied to Mr. Hollingsworth for sail cloath who has recommend the barer Mr Jacobs.1 as sailmaker & says the sail Cloath is in the store at Annapolis Mr. Jacobs is Comming to Annapolis and will Chuse the Duck for the sails if you please to let him have it. I am informed by Captn. Davey's2 Leiutennant3 that Mr Lux has your orders not to Let any of the galleys have any rigging. if it is so please to inform me what is to be Done with the Chester she is foul & wants heaving Down. it Cannot be Done without rigging, I am [&c.]
Thos Coursey
Baltimore 7th. Octr. 1777—
L, MdAA, Maryland State Papers (Red Books), 4580A-52. Addressed: "His Excellency Thomas Johnson Esqr/Annapolis." Docketed: "Thos. Coursey/7 Octr. 1777."
1. William Jacob.
2. John David.
3. Probably Abraham Gormon, commissioned 30 Apr. 1777 as first lieutenant of Conqueror.