July 8 1796 Secy of War T. Pickering

The Secretary of War Department of State July 8, 1796. Dear Sir The President, in two letters I have received this week, mentions these points for consideration

1. “How soon & in what manner” the Cherokee boundary can and ought to be run & marked, agreeably to the treaty of Holston.
2. What can be done relative to the appointment of an Indian agent (superintendant) in the room of Governor Blount; and of the Agents for carrying on the Indian trade. He will expect a report as soon as our opinions are formed. I have conversed with Mr. Wolcott: We are both of opinion that the first step towards building the frigate , is to send Mr. Fox to the different Navy yards to take an account of the timber, and to converse with the principal builders, to see on what terms & within what time they will, any of them, undertake to have her completed. We think it ineligible and fruitless to advertise for a contract. The explanations which Mr. Fox can give to the master builders will will [undecipherable] them to state their terms, which he will bring back with him, & then a choice may be made. I am convinced that it will be in vain to seek a substitute for Mr. Fox; & I beg you to decide thereon that his instructions may be prepared to enable him to start by [undecipherable] on Monday. Respectfully yours T. Pickering The Secretary of War