[York, Pa.] April 11th 1778
Gentlemen
We have determined for the present to stop the building of the Frigates in Virginia. We find on examining your Account that you have neglected giving us Credit for the following Sums which will make a considerable balance in our favour.
Mr Stodder tells us that you have not received any Money on the Warrant on the Loan office transmitted you the 24th of November1 If there should be no money in the office you must negotiate the Loan Office Certificates.2 We enclose you A Resolve of Congress empowering you & Mr David Stodder Master builder of the Frigates to consider and Report what allowance if any you think ought to be made to Thomas Hoggard for the frames of the Frigates over and above the prices originally stipulated.3 When we shall resume the building of these Frigates we shall be glad to have your superintendancy of them in the meantime we are with great respect [&c.]
LB, DNA, PCC, Marine Committee Letter Book, fol. 140 (M332, roll 6). Addressed before opening: “Messrs Maxwell & Loyal.”
1. See Continental Marine Committee to Maxwell and Loyall, 29 Nov. 1777. NDAR 10: 631–32.
2. On 11 April, Congress ordered a warrant for $8,000 for Maxwell and Loyall, but according to a note written by Henry Laurens, the President of Congress, the order was "Postponed by desire of the Marine Committee." JCC 10: 338; DNA, PCC, item 136, vol. 2, pp. 215, 217 (M247, roll 145).
3. Congress had asked the committee to consider additional compensation for Thurmer Hoggard, which Hoggard had requested in a letter to the Marine Committee of 20 Mar. 1778, above. NDAR 11: 744. In a letter to Congress of 9 Apr., the committee recommended that the matter be referred to Maxwell, Loyall and David Stodder for determination, which Congress ordered in a resolution of the same date. DNA, PCC, item 78, vol. 11, pp. 297-98 (M247, roll 96); JCC 10: 326.
