[Page 174] [for France] War Office June 20 1796 [M^r William Pennock Norfolk] As there are again many live Oak knees in the Navy yards at Gosport that are suitable for the Frigate building here, and of which M^r Humphreys is in immediate want, endeavour to request you will be pleased to send such of them to Philadelphia as may be seized by the first favourable opportunity. [for] War Office June 30 1796. [Ass^t of the Treasury] As there is a prospect of a considerable progress being made towards compleating the Hulls of the Frigate building at Boston this Summer, and a sufficient quantity of Hemp will be required for manufacturing the necessary Cordage for the Rigging &c which I am anxious to have in readiness for [use] immediately after the Vessel is launched, and as considerable time will be necessary to go through the various branches of manufacturing and preparing the Rigging; I there therefore request you will be pleased to give the necessary directions proper for procuring the same quantity of Hemp for that Frigate as was furnished for the Frigate at this place — Should there be a difficulty of purchasing at [or] near Boston I have been informed a quantity may be procured in this City.