[War Office 5 July 9[undecipherable] Appointing Agents] War department, July 5, 1794. Gentlemen, I have the honor to inform you that it is intended to build a frigate of forty four Guns at Philadelphia under the following general regulations. The most capital Articles whether of timber iron cordage or vail cloth will be procured in pursuance of special Contracts 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 an half per Cent upon his expenditures. A Constructor or principal Builder will be appointed by the Secretary of War upon a given Salary at a certain rate per Annum. The Captain will be appointed as Superintendant 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, Gentlemen, in order to enable you to judge whether you will accept the Agency for the Port of Philadelphia 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 certain funds to commence the operations. I am, Gentlemen with great esteem Your obedient Servant [undecipherable: H Knox] [undecipherable signature] Mess.^rs Gurney and Smith