To Josiah Fox, You will be pleased forthwith to proceed to New York, Portsmouth in New Hampshire and Boston. The general objects of your Journey to those Towns are. 1^st To examine, Assort and arrange into distinct parcells the Shiptimbers and planks the property of the United States in the different yards in New York Portsmouth, and Boston — 2^d To examine into the State of the Naval Stores at those places and procure for them greater protection and security where wanted. 3^d to obtain from the principal Shipbuilders of New York Portsmouth, and Boston upon what terms, and within what time they will agree to build a 36 Gun Frigate of the dimensions described in sketch A You will arrange the Shiptimbers and Planks according to the following Classes Class N° 1 will comprehend the number of pieces of live Oak at the respective yards fit for the Frigates whose building have been suspended, and exclusive of the pieces requisite for those under construction. In this Class as well as in all the other Classes you will assort the Timbers or Planks agreeably to their names and uses Viz^t Kellson Futtocks, Toptimbers, Knees &c. specifying the exact number of each Class N° 2 will comprehend the number of pieces of Live Oak suitable for the Frigates building or suspended but which may be used in the construction of the Frigate sketch A. Class N° 3 will comprehend the number of pieces of Live Oak unsuitable for any of the Frigates including sketch A by reason of defects or other causes. noting those causes Class N° 4 will exhibit 1° The number of pieces of White Oak suitable and wanted for Frigate sketch A. 2° the number of pieces unsuitable and not wanted for the Frigates under construction, or for Frigate sketch A Class N° 5 will exhibit a statement of the plank in each Yard arranged according to their thickness, Lengths, and kinds, Viz^t the kind and quantity wanted for Frigate sketch A. exclusive of the quantity necessary to compleat the Frigate at Boston. 2° the surpluss divided into its kinds. Class N° 6 will exhibit the number, fizes, and kinds of Masts, and Spars. It being contemplated to dispose of the Timbers assorted under Class N° 3 those under 2° Class N° 4 and the plank under 2 Class N° 5 and such of the Masts and Spars as may not be wanted, or would be injured by keeping; you will therefore endeavour to form an Opinion of what these would probably sell for, at the places where deposited and report the same The timbers ordered from New York for the Frigates building at Philadelphia and Baltimore are to be excluded from your estimates You are to see the timbers destined for future use carefully piled up as well as the timbers assorted for Frigate sketch A. and the whole protected against the weather by proper sheds and against Thefts by enclosures. In piling it care must be taken so to dispose of that suitable for Frigate sketch A that it may be removed at any time without disturbing the other It will be proper also that you should visit the Warehouses where Naval Materials are stored. Examine the state in which they are and whether they are well secured and take an exact inventory of the different kinds and quantity of each In ascertaining the terms on which the Shipbuilders at the Towns you are to visit will contract to build a 36 Gun Frigate conformably to sketch A you will require 1. Their terms for such a Frigate they finding the timber and other Materials. 2. Their terms, the United States finding timber and plank. 3 their terms, they taking the timber and plank fit for the purpose at a valuation. 4 That their proposals be in writing and the time they will finish her in expressed. But to obviate delay as much as possible, you will on your arrival at New York obtain from one or more of the principal Shipbuilders upon what terms, and in what time they will engage to compleat a ship of the Dimensions of sketch A and forward the same to the Secretary of War. you will also write to Portsmouth and Boston, to the same purpose, stating the size and Dimensions and requesting them to forward to the Secretary of War their terms and the time when they will engage to deliver such a Vessel. Their terms, the United States furnishing the timbers or they taking it at a Valuation may be obtained afterwards. As it is necessary that there should be responsible persons appointed to take charge of the timber and Naval Materials you will enquire for such, report their names and what they would consider as a reasonable compensation. You will also examine into and report the progress made in the Frigate building at Boston, and the probable time when she may be launched. I have directed a Warrant to be made out in your favour for Three Hundred Dollars to cover the expenses attending your mission. It will be proper that you should take vouchers or receipts for your disbursements to enable you to settle for this advance with the Accountant of the War department. Given at the War office this 12^th July 1796 James McHenry Secy of War