Philadelphia February 20, 1796. Dear Sir Perhaps you have seen in the Newspapers the report of the Committee of the House of Representatives, on the State of the Naval equipments: that they recommended to build two Frigates only — since their report was made nothing further have been done by the House on that Subject — The Treaty with Algiers having been received, the Law for providing a Naval Armament is become void — the letter to M^r Guem — forwarded by this post, has been written nearly aweek, and has layed in consequence — The Treaty has not yet transpired through the Medium of the Public prints, but I was last Night informed of the general outlines of the demands of the Dey. the substance of it, I believe is such as to induce the executive to pursue their former plan of building the whole of the Frigates — The Dey requires 180 thousand dollars for himself 180 thousand more for the redemption of the prisoners — and his Officers Government and household down to his Cooks must be handsomely paid — that increases the Sum to upwards of 500 thousand dollars — he also requires timber for Shipbuilding, 26 pounders & other Guns, Ammunition of to the amount of upwards 500 thousand dollars more of all Kinds and several other Articles, with an Annual payment to himself of 24 thousand dollars — I apprehend these demands have made many of the Members of both Houses of Congress change their opinions in regard to the Naval Armaments — and it appears probable the building will be pursued — M^r Humphreys has raised 3 of his after Frames, and is getting the rest in readiness to raise, several Vessels with live Oak are daily expected at this port and Baltimore — perhaps before this time you have heard that M^r Morgan has quited the public employment in Georgia and no person at present to supply his place — as the post is just going you will please to excuse haste and believe me to be, with respect and Esteem Yours. Josiah Fox [Josiah Fox 20^th Feb^y 1796]