Marine Committee to Robert Morris

The Marine Committee, judging it of the utmost Consequence, that the Frigate Virginia should be got to Sea as soon as possible, and finding it impracticable to procure here the necessary Articles for the Ship, without which she cannot proceed to Sea, have determined to send to Philada. for them; and have sent the Bearer, an Officer of Captain Nicholson's, to expedite the Business. And I am now in the Name of the Marine Committee to request, you will immediately order such of the Articles as are mentioned in the enclosed Memo.¹ and can readily be got in Philada. to be forwarded here without Loss of Time, in such Manner as you shall judge best. The Bearer will afford every Aid in his Power.

I should think that it would be no Disservice in taking an Anchor & the Cables from one of the Frigates in Philada. as you can with more Ease replace them there, than we can procure them here; and all your frigates are not in the Readiness the Virginia is, and indeed she waits only for these Articles. I submit it to you to conduct as you think most for the public Service, but with Respect to the Anchor, Cables & Rigging, it is of the utmost Importance they should be sent. Two Carts put together would easily affect this, let the Expence be ever so great-but Care should be taken to prevent the Cables from chaffing by matting the Turns, or putting Canvas round the Parts liable to rub against the Waggon. But I need not give you any Hints of this Kind. I wish we may have as many of the Articles as can be got, and I know you will exert yourself to effect this Business.

I am, in Behalf of the Marine Committee, Sir, your most obed. & very hble Servt.

John Hancock Chairman