Folio 368: Commissioner Richard Beach, Portsmouth. Asks for directions on the purchase...

Folio 368: Commissioner Richard Beach, Portsmouth. Asks for directions on the purchase of oil and tallow from Poole. He cannot get the Seamen to pick oakum and states the ships at Spithead are only carrying half their companies, most men having gone to London or to the country, with or without leave. He will inform Captain Sanderson of the Board's wish that he lays the buoys at No Mans Land and the Horse. Report on the progress on the Oxford, St. David and Rupert. Is sending a copy contract for the building of longboats and estimates and demands for the Rupert, Edgar, Jersey and Advice. An estimate of the amount of money they will need to buy listed stores and supplies. Despite having made good use of the Unity for transporting timber and ballast, they still need of hoys and lighters to deal with ordnance.