W.O. May 10^th. 796. [Capt Tho. Truxtun / Baltimore] Sir Several of the Cannon destined for the Frigates, cast at Cecil Furnace having been proved, and M^r Hughes wishing to have them examined and received by the United States: it may be proper that you should see them and examine whether they are suitable or fit for service. I have to request therefore that you will as soon as possible visit Cecil Furnace, where you will find M^r Da Costa and in conjunction with him examine and pass receipts to M^r Hughes for such Cannon as have stood proof and are suitable for service. — The Contract which no doubt M^r Hughes will show you stipulates for the delivery of suitable Cannon of certain descriptions: that is as I construe it, such as are efficient and in every respect fit for service. I inclose you my instructions to M^r Da Costa for your information. While on the spot you may take measures to have the Cannon which may pass examination transported to Baltimore, which will enable you to give directions for the constructing of their carriages. I am &c. [M^r John Blagge / Naval Agent / New York] Sir War Office May 13^th. 796. M^r Humphreys being in great want of several pieces of live oak timber to compleat the body frames of the Frigate building in this City: and understanding that it is probable that pieces may be supplied from the Navy Yard at Newyork more speedily than they can be procured from Georgia: you are therefore requested to send to Philadelphia such of the live oak timber as answers to the inclosed statement. M^r Cheesman the Constructor will no doubt be very particular in selecting such timbers as may be found to answer for those timbers mentioned in the Table whether they have been worked or remain in rough state taking care to see they are in all respects sound and of sufficient size — The quantity being sufficient to load a small vessel of proper Construction such a one may be hired expressly for that purpose, and on the most reasonable terms — The work on this Frigate having been suspended some time for want of those pieces of live oak timber. I am anxious to have them sent on immediately that the work may be renewed with the greatest vigor. [M^r John Blagge / Naval Agent / New York] Sir W. O. May 14^th. 796. A Vessel having just arrived here from Georgia with a Cargo of live Oak renders it necessary not to proceed according to my order of Yesterday, untill the Contents of this Cargo is known. — M^r Cheesman may examine and make report to this Office what timbers are in the Navy Yard that will answer to M^r Humphreys statement: and if any floor timbers for the Fore body can be found to send them by first opportunity only 4 having arrived in this Vessel. Floor wanted immediately, E. F. and Y —