No 8

Sir The Council of Safety will take Mr Sprigg's Vessel, if you are of opinion, that she will make a fast sailer, draw little water, and suit this Province as an armed vessel, of which please to advise us in Writing, and request she may be got ready with the utmost dispatch ー we hope and expect a fortnight will compleat her ー when can you Set off for the Eastern shore to examine the vessels, which are offered as suitable for the purpose? ー we want them. ー you promised to be with us on Friday, but we did not understand, whether you could immediately go over the Bay. ー this matter requires dispatch, and we beg your immediate answer; if you can go, we shall be much pleased ー if you cannot go, do you know any one, who would be proper to send on that Business? We are [&c.]

[Annapolis] 8th July 1776