New York, 1^st May 1796 Sir I have the pleasure to enclose you a return of all the articles received into the Navy yard at this Port, and on which I have distinguishing each particular as to what of as yet remain on hand some of the materials have been used expended in [strikethrough: erecting] the Store be mentioned in the return, and also in [strikethrough: erecting] some of the buildings as well as in repairing the Wharf, and fencing in the yard — As the articles that are of a perishable nature contemplated in the line art of Coopery, perhaps it would easy to contain many articles might perish in length of time if exposed, which would be preserved if properly taken care of. I am clearly of the opinion that all kinds of lumber used in the construction of a Ship may be preserved and for any time, and greatly improved by being sunk in salt water, what the worm will not take hold — It appears to me it would be for the Interest of the united to preserve from all the Materials mentioned in the return, as such as ought to be kept for future use. They are mostof at the yard have been preserved at much trouble and expense, and some of them are so good can now be had and at the Market, when any are sold they will not fetch one half their value. They demonstrate being so widely different from any thing that are wanted for Private use — I have received the thanks from Georgia — If the live Oak that are in the yard and which are being offering every one are wanted at other yards they ought to be sent on [strikethrough: thither] but I have inserted them among the articles that I thought may should be sold, as they are bad, or not good of their kind being raised very short and great scarcity of that size has been must long been cut and laying [strikethrough: to] were taken on board to make Stiges, and they are as bad our Georgia pieces are a better blank of the kind in this State and at one third the expence as those from Georgia — So fine are the Sticks that compose the keel and so great has been the expence of preserving them and puting them together that I am of opinion [strikethrough: it will be best to] in case of the Timber is not to sole the keel ought to be preserved as it may be Sunk under water with the rest — I have indeavor'd to comply with your directions by being Particular in the return and I am persuaded there is no material error therein. There are many small articles too used in erecting the Store which I have no account of it being at an early period and before I had orders to Superintend the yard, I suppose the particulars are [strikethrough: they are] with the Agent — The timber laying at Corliers Hook (except the Spars) is the cullings of Several Rafts of Timber bought for the use of the yard, the longest and best having been taken into the yard. By means of taking the whole rafts, such as wanted was obtained much Cheaper than it otherwise would — Of the timber at the Hook there has been sold by the Agent and with a considerable profit, to the amount of five Hundred Pounds — I should have made my return sooner but for the time it took to overhale and measure the whole of the Timber — I am Sir &c S. Talbot