M^r Couzeau Chaⁿ &c War Office July 23. 1796. As the opening arranging and receiving of the lumber and ware in so ugly [undecipherable: a] navigation from where it is now to Oulaies hook will require much care and attention unless it will thereby expose you to have it done I must endeavour to fix a compensation for hundred dollars is the present year. I now refer you to carry the instructions under M^r Toad and furnish me with the cost of battaux with economy as possible. M^r Francis &c War Office July 23. 1796 I own the circumstances you note of the advantage of the yard at Oulaies hook, it would appear to be most to the interest of the United States that it should be engaged. You will therefore without regard, M^r [undecipherable] must be desire it as respects the plan you certified at a cost not exceeding the sum inclosed in your letter of the 10^th. As soon as this is accomplished, you will furnish M^r Couzeau with a copy of your instructions to me as far as concerns the arranging and upkeeping of the timber, and with a copy that part of my letter of the 22^d relative to the same subject, for his government, and direct him to proceed in