View source for Thomas Whiting to Wythe, 22 November 1777

‎Thomas Whiting wrote to [[George Wythe]] in 1777, during the [[wikipedia:American Revolution|American Revolution]], estimating expenses for the Virginia navy in the coming year for the [[wikipedia:Virginia House of Delegates|House of Delegates]].

Whiting was from Hampton, Virginia, and was appointed by the Provincial Convention of Virginia in 1776 to the newly-created Navy Board, serving as First Commissioner (chairman) for the duration of its existence.<ref>Charles Oscar Paullin, ''The Navy of the American Revolution: Its Administration, Its Policy, and Its Achievements'' (Cleveland, OH: Burrows Brothers, 1906), 398-399.</ref> Also appointed Commissioners of Admiralty in 1776 were John Hutchings, Champion Travis, Thomas Newton, Jr. and George Webb.<ref>Philip A. Bruce, ed., ''Virginia Magazine of History and Biography'' 1, no. 1 (July 1893), 64, citing a supplement to the ''Virginia Gazette,'' July 5, 1776.</ref>

This letter is reprinted in ''Naval Documents of the American Revolution'' (1996), cited as being held by the Library of Virginia, in Richmond.<ref>‎Michael J. Crawford, ed., ''Naval Documents of the American Revolution,'' vol. 10, pt. 2, ''American Theatre Oct. 1, 1777-Dec. 31, 1777; European Theatre, Oct. 1, 1777-Dec. 31, 1777'' (Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office, 1996), 572-573.</ref><ref>Virginia General Assembly, House of Delegates, Speaker, Executive communications, Letter and estimate, 1777 November 22. Accession 36912. State government records collection, The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.</ref>

==Letter text, 22 November 1777==
===Page 572===

<blockquote>
<center>
THOMAS WHITING TO<br />GEORGE WYTHE
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{| width="100%"
| width="50%" style="text-align: left;" |
Sir
| width="50%" style="text-align: right;" |
Williamsburg  22<sup>d.</sup> Nov:  1777.
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I have the honour to inclose you an estimate of the probable expence of the Navy for the ensuing Year agreeable to the resolution of your house.&mdash;I am [&amp;c.]
<div align="right">
Thom<sup>o.</sup> Whiting 1<sup>st.</sup>. Com<sup>r.</sup>
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[Enclosure]<br />
An Estimate of the probable expence of the Navy for the ensuing Year.&mdash;

{| width="75%" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0; white-space: nowrap;"
| width="90%" style="text-align: left;" |Pay of 1300 men &amp; their officers for one Year
| width="10%" style="text-align: right;" |&pound;69,500.. ..
|-
| width="90%" style="text-align: left;" |Provisions &amp; Liquors for Ditto
| width="10%" style="text-align: right;" |35,500.. ..
|}
</blockquote>

===Page 573===

<blockquote>
{| width="75%" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0; white-space: nowrap;"
| width="90%" style="text-align: left;" |Pay of the Commissioners, Clerks &amp;c
| width="10%" style="text-align: right;" |2000.. ..
|-
| width="90%" style="text-align: left;" |Four Vessells building at the Chickahomany Yard
| width="10%" style="text-align: right;" |60,000.. ..
|-
| width="90%" style="text-align: left;" |Wear &amp; Tear for one Year, rigging, Sails &amp;c
| width="10%" style="text-align: right;" |15,000.. ..
|-
| width="90%" style="text-align: left;" |Medecines &amp;c.
| width="10%" style="text-align: right;" |500.. ..
|-
| width="90%" style="text-align: left;" |&nbsp;
| width="10%" style="text-align: right; border-style: solid; border-color: 000000; border-width: 1px 0 1px 0;" |&pound;182,500.. ..
|}

::::::::::Certified by Order of the Navy Board Nov: 22<sup>d.</sup> 1777.&mdash;
:::::::::::Thom<sup>o.</sup> Whiting 1<sup>st.</sup>. Com<sup>r.</sup>

<div style="font-size: 90%">
L, Vi, Miscellaneous Naval Papers. Addressed: "The honble George Wythe/Speaker of the House of/Delegates." Docketed: "Letter from the Commissioners/of the Navy inclosing/estimate of the expences of the Navy for the/Current Year./Nov: 24th 1777."
</div>
</blockquote>

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
*Read this book in [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/publications/naval-documents-of-the-american-revolution/NDARVolume10.pdf Naval History and Heritage Command.]

[[Category: Admiralty]]
[[Category: Letters and Papers]]