Williamsburg 17th July 1776
Sir
The board of Commissioners for the Navy desire to know whither you have receiv'd any Iron from Mr James Hunter for building Gallies, 2 if you have, be pleas'd to forward three Tons to the care of Mr John Taylor in Smithfield, and if you have not receiv'd so much, send whatever he has lodg'd with you. A Vessel must be hired if there is not one going down that can take it in, as the Carpenters are waiting and cannot proceed without it.
1. Navy Board Letter Book, VSL.
2. Ibid., on July 18 the Board wrote to James Hunter at Fredericksburg asking if he would supply "Iron of different sizes and Anchors," and inquiring if he had "sent the Iron ordered by the Committee of Safety to the care of Mr. Richard Adams at Richmond."
