Document signed by Josiah Burchett (c.1666-1746), Secretary to the Admiralty (1694-1742)

The Admiralty Commissioners direct that you immediately cause to be computed and sent here an account of the yearly charge of Wages, Victuals, Wear and Tear, and Naval Stores, of a Ship of the 5th Rate, one Ship of the 6th rate, an Advice Boat, and one of the Sloops, for the highest number of Men allowed them, and also for the lowest and middle Complements allowed to a Ship of the 5th, another of the 6th Rate, expressing the charge of each Ship distinctly. Also they ask you send them an account of the yearly charge of each Ship mentioned for Wages and Victuals only for their highest number of Men, and for the lowest and middle Complement of the 5th and 6th Rate. I desire you let me have these accounts as early as possible this afternoon, in order their Lordships may peruse these before being placed before a Committee of the House of Commons tomorrow morning at Nine a Clock.