Navy Board Eastern department
Boston June 10, 1778
Sir
In answer to yours of the 5th. We wish Some Suitable person might be directed to Examine and receive the Iron of Messrs. Potter1 and Sands,2 least they should mix some of Inferior quality, or make some Mistake in the weight. it is also necessary that the Anchors of the Syrene3 should be sent round to Norwich, and the board should know the Weight of them as soon as possible in order to Settle with Mr Babcock.4 The Blunderbusses you mention are very much wanted for the Navy. We shall be Glad to have them forwarded to this place. the other Articles we want much, however if they are delivered to General Sullivan,5 we will say no more about them. As to the Cannon, we had rather wait Untill we hear again from Majr Huntington6 than to Engage them immediatly of the Browns7 at their Extravagant price.
Capt. Manley8 is now on Tryall at a Court Martial. Thursday9 is appointed for the determination of this Court. Captt. McNeills10 comes on Friday next.11 he Conducts in the present Similar to what he did in the former Court of Enquiry,12 which is to Create as much Charge and perplexity as possible. Capt. Thomson's13 Tryall comes on immediatly after McNeills and after him H Harkers14 Court of Enquiry concerning the loss of the Columbus.15 Mr Brown16 is appointed 1t Lieut of the Warren. Capt Hopkins17 has about 140 men and will be ready to Sail in ten days, if Manned. The Raleigh is Cleaned, Waits the Appointment of a Commander from Congress or the Marine Comtee. at Yorktown, this board not being Impowered to Appoint one. The Dean18 wants many repairs. The Carpenters are at work on her and the Resistance, who wants repairs also. the Queen of France19 lyes by the Walls waiting orders from Congress. on last Saturday received a Supply of Cash from the Marine board Yorktown20 50,000 dollars, which sum we stood in much need of. We send Colo. Tillinghast21 by this Conveyance five thousand dollars for the purpose of paying the debts you mention in your former, and also to Enable him to pay of[f] the officers and Seamen belonging to the Providence22 their prize money, he having made use of their prize money in order to dispatch the Providence.23 We wish we could send you news of the Safe arrival of the Boston in France, but it is not in our power. Your dispatches24 shall be carefully forwarded by the first Opportunity which will be to morrow if the wind suits.
We can assure you the Small pox is almost Clear of the Town, and you may now come to Boston with but very little risque of getting that distemper. we shall be exceeding glad to see you at the board, where your advice and assistance is very necessary at this Juncture. We are with much esteem [&c.]
P.S. please to give orders to Lieut Knese25 to repair to Bedford26 immediately and act as Second Lieut. on board Sloop Providence J P Rathburn Comr. and if any Lieut. of Marine is with you please to give the like orders and let us know forthwith.