[York] Decemr. 2d 1777
The Commissioners of the Navy Board at Boston Gentlemen
It is the earnest desire of this Committee that you press forward the two Frigates at Rhode Island1 and get them to Sea if possible with all dispatch when they are to proceed to France agreeable to our former directions. We are exceedingly anxious to have this business accomplished and hope for your utmost exertions therein being Gentlemen [&c.]
P:S: Having been informed that the Syren frigate is cast a Shore on point Judith—that she is in our possession and that her Guns, Cables & Anchors, and some other parts of her Tackle and Apparal are like to be saved, we would have you purchase her Guns and Anchors and her Cables and all other Tackle and Apparal if you should think them fit for service, and remove them to some safe place in Massachusets Bay to be applied to the use of the first frigate that may want them.
In order that you may not be in want of money to carry on the business of your Department we now enclose you two drafts on the Loan Offices of Massachusets Bay and Rhode Island2 for fifty thousand Dollars which you will please to draw as you may want it—
LB, DNA, PCC, Marine Committee Letter Book, 116 (M332, roll 6).
1. Continental Navy frigates Providence and Warren.
2. See “Votes and Resolutions of the [Continental] Navy Board of the Eastern Department,” 29 Dec., below.
