[M^r Sam^l Shore. Gosport] War Office January 6. 1796 My intention was some time since to have informed you, that as the building of the Frigate at Norfolk would be unavoidably delayed, it would not be necessary to continue a Clerk of the Yard. Being still of the same Opinion, and the prospect of proceeding in the work being remote I have concluded to give you this notice thereof, and to desire you to make immediately a return of the Articles under your care, and to deliver the whole to the Naval Agent M^r Pennock, to whom also you will be pleased to deliver the Books and papers belonging to your Office, for which, as well as the Stores in the Yard, M^r Pennock will give you a receipt — [M^r Will^m Pennock Naval Agent Norfolk —] War Office January 6. 1796 I inclose a letter for M^r Shore Clerk of the Navy Yard, to notify him that the building of the Frigate at Norfolk will be unavoidably delayed so as to render it unnecessary and improper to continue the Clerk of the Yard. I have desired him to make a return of every thing under his care, and to deliver the whole to you, together with the Books and papers belonging to his Office, for which you will be so good as to give him your receipt.