[Circular] No. 37 War dep^t July 3. 1794. M^r John Blagge — M^r Jeremiah Yellott M^r Willet Pennock M^r Simons & Smith James Thrupp Esq^r John Langdon Esq^r [If the letter to M^r Langdon following was added to it from about it not shown at top of the offer. I pray you get the enclosed letter into handed Thrupp of foremost — Jan 1] [Each Cove Esq^t] I have the honor to inform you that it is intended to build a frigate of 44 guns at New York under the following general regulations. The most capital article whether of timber, iron castings or sail cloth will be procured in pursuance of a special contract with the Secretary of the Treasury. All the labour whether for the construction or equipment excepting the principal Constructor and all such materials as shall not otherwise be obtained will be procured and purchased by an agent who will be allowed for his trouble a commission of two and one half per cent upon his expenditures — A Constructor or principal builder will be appointed by the Sec^y of War upon a given salary at a certain rate per annum. The captain will be appointed as superintendent of the execution of the vessel whether as relatively to her building or equipment. A Clerk of the building yard will be appointed by the Secretary of War, to receive, deliver, and account for all the public property, whether provided by the Secretary of the Treasury or purchased by the Agent. These general outlines are given to you Sir in order to enable you to judge whether you will accept the Agency for the port of New York which is hereby offered you. I shall be obliged by your speedy answer. If it should be in the affirmative particular instructions will be remitted to you forthwith and orders funds to commence the operations. — I am Sir &a — War dep^t July 3. 1794. Sir, I have the honor to transmit for your information the extract of a letter from M^r Charles Vaughan of Boston by which you will perceive the price of oak plank at that place. — I am &c — Extract of M^r Vaughan's letter Boston 22 Jun 1794 Plank in demand here is from 40 to 60 feet in length and 2½ inches thick, price 35 dollars. I pick of same bought 40 dolls. The plank I engage to deliver shall average 50 feet and none shall be under 30 feet, and a proportion shall be 70 feet long, the thickness of 2½ inches should be 40 dollars, 3 inch 50 dollars — I have heard also from Kennebeck & I have 2000 tons of timber for [undecipherable]