[Philadelphia] August 5th 1778
Gentlemen
Since our last of the 24th Ultimo, we have received yours of the 17th and 22d. to which we shall now reply.1
As we shall Often want small Vessels for Packets we desire you will order three Schooners to be built of about 50 or 60 Tons burthen and let swift Sailing be the Object—Mr. Peck2 may be employed to exercise his Talents in constructing One of them. We are glad to hear of the arrival of the Schooner Loyallty as you will perceive by our last we had reason to fear She had fallen into the hands of the enemy.3 We hope the Schooner Swan Captain Stiles will arrive Safe.4
We inclose herein A Resolve of Congress passed yesterday directing a Compensation of 500 Dollars to be made to Mr. Storey the Clk of your Board for his extra Services and expences since his appointment which you will please to pay him. You will also find another resolve of Congress allowing you 365 dollars each for travelling expences in visiting the different parts of your department for the year past which we hope will be deem'd sufficient.5
We are very sorry to hear of the misfortune that had befallen the Schooner Ranger—We have no doubt but you will duely attend to have such things as have been Saved from her applied to the public Account.6
The Prices you are obliged to give for Cordage are indeed very extravagant, but at this time we cannot remedy that evil as the Ships that are now built must be fitted out. It will be an Object with us when we order Other Ships to be built to provide their materials on the best terms. We hope the Warren has gone to Sea and that the Raleigh will shortly follow her7—We wrote by yesterdays post to the Governor and Council of Massachusets to aid you in Manning the ships at Boston, which we expect they will do, and that you will thereby be enabled to send out the Vessels very Shortly.8
We have directed the Paymaster of this department to send you a State of Lieutenants Morans Account.9 Mr. Trevet was at York Town when Congress were there, but went off without making any application. 10
We have already sent you by Mr Dodd 200,000 Dollars, and wish we could now Send you the remainder of the Warrant granted by Congress for your department. 11
The Treasury hath not yet got money sufficient for that purpose, but in a few days we expect to get the balance which shall be immediately sent forward together with the Money for Mr. Bradford's Bill.12 We are with regard [&c.]
P.S: you will in future send forward the proceedings at large of all Courts Martial—at present those relative to Captains Manly and McNeill are wanted; please to send by the first opportunity.—13