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[Pages 9]
Property been employed in the Cultivation & improvement of their Country.
I am ashamed to have intruded on your time with so long a letter, and an Apology would but add to its length. I have therefore only to request the favor of you to communicate by the first Opportunity any further Commands You may have for this Quarter of the World as I purpose returning to England in the Course of the Spring, the Governor's patronage not affording me any Prospect of an Inducement to prolong my Stay at Bermuda.
I beg to present my best Respect to the Ladies, with which I have the Honor to be,
Dear Sir,
Your very obliged and
very faithful humble Servant
Rd Shepherd
On examining two of the Cutters now on the Stocks, I find that since the Cedar has from its scarcity risen so much in Price, the Part of the Hull under the Copper is now usually of Pine planks, which has been long in use for the Cabin & Decks: the Keel is mostly of Oak. The Contractors with Government engage with a Master Shipwright to furnish the Hull for £7 pr Ton, and it is usual to contract for fitting up the Cabbin & rigging the Vessel compleatly, sails included, on the same terms. Every ship therefore costs the Contractors £14 per Ton exclusive of her Guns, which are sent from England, & to this is to be added about 30 Shgs per ton if she be copperbottom'd . What the terms of their Contract with Government may be remains a secret between the Parties.