Sir

Your Memorandum to Capt John Craig we have had under consideration, we shou'd be very glad if you can with propriety stop the Salt as we have not a Bushel, and it will be impossible to send a Vessel on a cruise without Salt Provisions. The Congress having directed Six Rowe Galleys for protecting Troops crossing the Rivers, one of which you'll please to have built of the following dimensions 71 feet Keel, 20 feet Beam six feet Hole and six Inches rise.² We wish you to employ as many Carpenters as can work on her, that She may be finish'd with all expedition. We inclose you the Commissions for the Officers agreeable to your List together with some Warrants for the inferiour Officers, to Wit the Master, Masters Mate, Surgeon, Surgeons Mate and two Midshipmen. Whatever rigging you may want, you'll please to send to Capt Charles Thomas for at Warwick, and he will comply with your orders, being employ'd by the public for that purpose, any thing in the public Stores at Fredericksburg that may be necessary in fitting out of the Vessels you must order to them desiring the Storekeeper to be particular in charging each Vessel as we are desirous of knowing the Cost of them [&c.]

John Hutchings 1st Comr P.T.