The following Message was agreed to be sent to his Excy the Prest vizt

Navy Board Charles Town 28th October 1776

Sir. The Commissioners of the Navy on enquiry, find, that no Contract has yet been made, for any of the Gallies, and agreable to the Act; appointing that Board, the Commissioners have no authority to Enter into any Contract, for Building, without the Concurrence of the President and Privy Council, The Commissioners Therefore, desire your Excellency will (if it is judged necessary) give directions to Enter into Contract with such persons, as are willing to undertake the Building of Gallies, and to provide Necessaries for the sameー

By Order of the Board Edward Blake first Commissioner

The first Commissioner was desired to wait upon the President, & Acquaint him, That the Board were of opinion it would be for the service of this State, that the Armed Vessels Comet & Defence, should proceed directly, to One of the French Islands in the West Indies in order to procure Seamen where (by information they have received) there are good Grounds to believe may be readily obtained, & that they Could carry Indico to the value of £ 500. Sterling each, to defray their Expenses & purchase such necessaries as may he wanting.