Gentlemen
Your favour of the 2nd I receiv'd yesterday evening to which I shall pay Strict attention —
Herewith I lay before you Copys of my different Letters since my return from a Cruise to The Honble The Marine Committe at Philadelphia in the 3rd & last of which you will find the State and properties of the Ship Boston under my command, a Return of her Officers & Men I will furnish you with very Soon.
An Indent also for such things as are absolutely Necessary, shall be laid before you as soon as I can examine the remaining Stores. —
Her Dimentions & Burthen I never have been able to come at my Self from either Agents, Builders, or Mastmakers, nevertheless I will make it my Business to Measure the Ship whenever an opportunity offers.
The Ship Boston mounts
| Cannon |
|
Swivels |
5 of 12 Pounders
19 of 9 do
2 of 6 do
4 of 4 do |
 |
16 |
There are a great number whose times with the Ship are Expired, those Men expect their Wages & discharge incessantly. where am I to find Money to pay them.
What Encouragement is to be given Men who may have an Inclination to enter for the Ship and how Long time are they to be Engaged for.
What provision is to be made for the Familys of the Men we have Lost in the Fox.
How are the relatives of the few Slain to apply for their Bountys. What Stoppages are there to be allow'd on the Men for Venerials, for Barber & for Chaplains.
What provision is there to be made for the Officers who live on board the Ship, as to their eatting and drinking.
These are questions which I hope you will be kind Enough to Answer Speedily as the impatience of the Multitude requires an immediate application.
As to the time 'twill take to refitt the Ship for a Cruise, was it possible to know when she would be Man'd, I might easily tell you, but I am of opinion that the Ships Bottom should be the last thing Medled with, her Stores of all kinds ought to be ready and her Provisions ready so that immediately after Cleaning she should have nothing else to do but Take them in and proceed to Sea. I am Gentlemen [&c.]
Boston 4th Septr 1777 —
