Matthew Ridley to the American Commissioners
ALS: American Philosophical Society; copy: Massachusetts Historical Society
<Paris, September 29, 1778: A number of years ago, in London,
I came upon a manuscript book of the commissioners of
the English navy. It contains accurate descriptions of the ships
and their equipment then in commission as well as calculations
for their repair and the duties of their officers. Conceiving
this intelligence might be of use to those in the United
States navy, I send it to you to present to Congress. I possess
property in Maryland and consequently hope the navy of the
United States will flourish.>
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