It is 2 or 3 years since I was encouraged to build a frigate in New England, but the Admiralty would have no contract in the usual form for building ships here, which I was unwilling to do. I would rather build the ship and stand the cost when she arrived here. The ship is now lying in Limehouse and is called the BEDFORD galley. She will carry 40 guns and is fitted with oars. She was built in Boston and when she was in her trim gave the appearance of being a very good sailer. I know endeavours have been used to bring odium upon New England built ships as the timber is thought defective and the ships liable to decay in 3 or 4 years. It is not doubted that timber ill chosen and not seasoned will soon rot, but I think the timber of that country is in general as good as it is here. Signed by John Taylor, Shipbuilder.