"Wh[e]n the Secretary of War decided not to proceed to Cape Thompson to Superindend and equip the voyage Projects for Sea, in Communicating the proposals my Sense was that the Ships was to be Confiscated and Equippd with our funds dispersed. That Cape Thompson was to provide every thing proper and fitting for a Ship of War, generally to the orders of the Secretary of War, and a Superintend the Ship untell the Officers whom I expected would be appointed were ready authorised to take Charge of this Jource. The Subsequent Conduct reluded to the Rigging and Spelling on board certain Stores & consequently it did not affect the Stipulations of the first Engagement. Then the notes were daily prepared as appear by Capt Thomp— letter of the 12^th of August last wherein he Says "the Sh—"[undecipherable] "rigged according to my Contract, except having the remaining "Rigging, Stores, Shall defer untill Certainly, therefor— he also Says furniture" She is every way ready to receive the Officers Men, Guns & Stores" therefore it is reasonable to Consider that the last of August was the time the engagement of Capt. Thompson was fulfilled. Josaiah Fox Secretary of State. [CC]