In answer to your letter of 19 June I have consulted the officers of the yard about the condition of ships in harbour and we are agreed on the following account. The NEPTUNE and the ST MICHAEL may be cleaned and made ready in a month. I enclose the bill for Mr Hilliard and Company's timber and I find that they have sent 42 ends of very inconsiderable [spire] timber and the whole amounting to 15 load and 39 ft. which the Master Shipwright may have your order to put a valuation upon, for neither he nor I think it worth near the price allowed for in the contract. On Tuesday we propose to clean the MERMAID but we fear it may be Friday before we have water for the BERKLEY CASTLE, her draught being considerable. Signed Edward Gregory, Chatham Dockyard Officer.