[Mr Josiah Fox] War dep^t July 16. 1794 Sir, You are hereby appointed a Clerk in the department [undecipherable] at the rate of Five hundred dollars [undecipherable] annum, to be appropriated at present to the assistance of Joshua Humphreys who is con-nected at present [with] con-structing the models and draughts for the frigates to be built in the United States; and when that business shall be finished, you will be directed to perform — your compensation to commence the 1^st instant. [signature] Mr Fox's Oath I Josiah Fox appointed a Clerk in the Department of War of the United States, do solemnly affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and that I will well and faithfully to the best of my abilities execute the Trust committed to me in my aforesaid Capacity — (sgd) Josiah Fox affirmed the 17^th day of July 1794 before me Hilary Baker one of the aldermen of the City of Philadelphia [Mr John [undecipherable]] War department July 16. 1794 Sir On the 14^th instant I had the honor to enclose you general instructions for your government as Naval Agent. The Secretary of the Treasury will furnish you with Money and instructions for the purchase of certain articles — I request to know whether a Master builder may be obtained at New York of sufficient skill for the execution of the proposed frigates so as to be [undecipherable] appropriated to that object upon a given Salary of not less than fourteen hundred nor more than two thousand Dollars P Year, and also the price at which Journeymen Shipbuilders and Blacksmiths might be obtained P day — [signature] [Capt [undecipherable] [undecipherable]] War dep^t July 17. 1794 [Sir] I request that you would be so good as to give me the exact dimensions of the Masts & Spars for the 36 gun frigates — [signature]