[Postal stamp: BALT FEB [undecipherable]; postage: 12; free] [Addressed: C M^r Josiah Fox / War Office / Phila.] [Docket: Baltimore 14 Feb^y 1796 / Cap^t Truxtun] Baltimore 14 Feb^y 1796 Dear Sir I am favoured with Yours, the 12 Inst: and am sorry our live Oak Timbers, bears so [undecipherable], as is asked in Georgia — I am fully of Opinion with You, that there are too many departments, engaged in the business — A good advice in future, will be [undecipherable: probable reading "Received"]; a few of us could fix a plan, to manage the Marine Affairs of this Country better — The days are getting longer, and we are collecting all our force, to go on with [undecipherable]. Mr Francis has mentioned, to Mr S. Street in [undecipherable], that Speedily we Shall [undecipherable] two Layers of live Oak from the Southward. I trust it will be the best — Keep me informed of what Congress is are doing — And be assured [undecipherable: probable reading "I am Your Freind &"] M^r Josiah Fox [undecipherable signature]