at New York 16^th November 1795 Sir Inclosed are you have returns of all the Labour [strikethrough: that have been] expended Since in the Navy Yard at this Port Since my last [strikethrough: return in] report on that Subject, as also the Wages paid to each of the People — As it is not likely that the plank we have on hand for the use of the Frigate will be expended on her for a Considerable time, it is the Opinion of the Constructor & myself that [strikethrough: all] these plank would be improved, or at least prevented from rents & decay if they are put into the water and suffered to remain there untill wanted for amediate use. [strikethrough: as it] I shall be happy to receive your directions as to the plan of docking the plank as we do not think proper to adopt the Means without your Approbation and I am Sir your Obedient Ser.^t Silas Talbot Col^o Timothy Pickering