[New London, Conn. post 26 July 1778]1
Gentlemen we Received yours 26th Inst. and Agreable to your Desire sett our People to work in fitting for Service the Brigg Nancy2 & Sloop Two Brothers,3 which Vessells will be Ready for Sailing with all their Stores on Board by the Return of the Barer—This day we have been Inform'd that three Brittish Cruising Ships have got into New Port, for which Reason we shall wait your further orders by the Return of this Express, Messrs. Broome & Co. have a Brigg of 16 Guns4 and a Sloop of 12 Guns5 Ready fitted would you have them also if we Can Prevail on the Owners to let them Come, they will be hear next Monday, we are Gentlemen [&c.]
Nathl. Shaw J
Thos. Mumford
L, CtY, Nathaniel and Thomas Shaw Papers, packet 132, no. 8606. Addressed at foot: “To Messrs Wm. Vernon & John Deshon Esqrs.".
1. The date is conjectural, based on the assumption that this letter is a response to a call issued by the Continental Marine Committee (see letter to Continental Navy Board of the Eastern Department, 11 July, above) for armed vessels within the Eastern Department to cooperate with the fleet of Vice-amiral comte d'Estaing off Rhode Island.
2. Connecticut privateer brigantine Nancy (16 guns), Michael Melally, commander, owned by Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., of New London.
3. Connecticut privateer Two Brothers (8 guns), Thomas Chester, Jr., commander, owned by Thomas Mumford, of Groton, Conn.
4. This brig cannot be identified.
5. Probably, Connecticut privateer sloop Beaver (12 guns), Joseph Dodge, commander, owned by John and Samuel Broome, of Hartford and Wethersfield, Conn., respectively.
