[123] all the plank &c that may be at this time lying in such situations should be removed to the Naval Yard, or to any other suitable place the Constructor may judge proper, where they can be stowed in piles, etched, and roofs raised over them. that they may be preserved in the securest Manner from the weather and with the smallest expence possible — Sir War Office June 14^th 1796 Congress having limited by a late Act the number of Frigates to three, and the Frigate that was intended to have been built at Portsmouth being one of those on which the work has been suspended. It becomes my duty to inform you that your pay as Constructor of that Frigate will cease on the 30 instant to which time you will be pleased to render your Account for Settlement. Whilst I make this communication I entertain a hope that should the work at any future time be resumed, your services will be cheerfully given. Sir War Office June 14^th 1796 M^r Humphreys being still in want of several pieces of live Oak to compleat the frame of the Frigate building under his direction, and as it is very probable some considerable time may elapse before any may arrive at this place from Georgia, renders it necessary to request you to send by some convenient Vessel or Vessels the following pieces of live Oak Viz^t. Three Counter timbers Two hawse pieces, one Lask and one Stern second futtock Dead first mouth —the Pieces that are sound — [M^r James Hackett Naval Constructor Portsmouth admissive letter was forwarded of same date to M^r Josiah Chasevan Naval Constructor New York —] [John Blagg New York —]