consideration whether to reduce them or not. The bolts which have arrived here, are of pure copper. I hope it will be made certain that the bolts of composition procured by M^r Sheaf are as tough as pure copper. Your pay shall be remitted without delay. [Tench Francis Esquire] War Office June 27. 1795. Sir. I have mentioned to you that Mess^rs Gurney and Smith have given notice of their intention to resign their agency for the frigate building at Philadelphia, at the close of the present month. My answer to these Gentlemen is grounded on your opinion, that you can transact that business, without an intermediate Agent. A copy of the answer is enclosed, by which you will see that your direct agency for this frigate, is to commence the first of July, when I expect the present Agents will transfer to you any papers and other things proper for your information and possession. [Mess^rs Gurney & Smith] War Office June 27. 1795. Gentlemen. I received your letter expressing your intention to relinquish your Agency for the frigate building at the port of Philadelphia, at the close of the present month. Upon enquiry, I find that the Purveyor besides the general superintendancy of supplies for all the frigates, will probably have time to procure every thing for the frigate building at this place. M^r Humphreys will need occasional assistance. You will therefore be pleased to transfer to the Purveyor M^r Francis, papers and any other things proper to be placed in the hands of the person doing the business of Agent for this frigate, which he will commence on the first of next month. [Tench Francis Esquire] War Office June 29. 1795. Sir. The report of Col. Copperthwait, returned from his mission to Georgia, relative to the live oak to be procured for the frigates. "That it will not take one year to complete the quantity wanted" induces me to change the plan of sending partial supplies to all the six Navy yards. By continuing that plan, the business in every yard will be kept in a lingering condition, at a heavy expence, without completing any thing. Had the difficulty of getting the live oak been foreseen — had it been known that full and regular supplies for two only, could be kept up — certainly, the carrying forward of six frigates at the same time, would not have been attempted. What should not have been begun, ought now that the facts are known, to be laid aside; Consequently I shall direct four of the Constructors to suspend their labours, [strikethrough: or to dismiss] or to dismiss all their hands for whom they can find