[Capt. J. Truxtun Baltimore] War Office July 7^th 1796 Sir By your letter of the 3 Current [undecipherable] that a Contract for the Corporation work has been already entered in. This being the case it cannot be set aside though it would have been made in this place much lower. I would suppose that the plank seasoned as you mention would answer for that part of the Vessel laying under water for the part above Water if no delay would be occasioned by the operation of impregnating it with Salt Plank [undecipherable] would seem preferable. If however the process would occasion the work to be delayed you will use the plank that is best seasoned. Should you have it in contemplation to go to Norfolk you will be pleased to postpone your Journey until such time as you receive some particular instructions from this Office in relation to that Navy Yard. Sir [Mr Josiah Fox] You will be pleased forthwith to proceed to Newjork Portsmouth in New Hampshire and Boston. The general Objects of your Journey to these Towns: 1 To examine and assort and arrange into distinct parcels the Shipbuilders and plank the property of the U.S. in the different Yards in Newjork, Portsmouth and Boston. 2 To ascertain into the State of the Naval Stores at those places and procure for them greater protection and security where needed. 3 To learn from the principal Shipbuilders of Newjork Portsmouth and Boston upon what terms, and within what time they will engage to build a 36 gun Frigate of the Dimensions described in Sketch A. You will arrange the Shipbuilders and Planks according to the following Classes: Class N^o 1 will comprehend the number of pieces of live Oak at the respective spaces 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 report the timbers or planks agreeably to their [undecipherable] and use [undecipherable] Bullocks Septembers [undecipherable] specifying the exact number of each. Class N^o 2 will comprehend the number of pieces of live Oak suitable for the Frigates [existing] or suspended [but] which may be used in the Construction of the Frigate sketch A. Class N^o 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^o 4 will exhibit 1^st the number of pieces of white Oak suitable and wanted for Frigate Sketch A; 2^d the number of pieces unsuitable and not wanted for the Frigates under Construction or for Frigate Sketch A. Class N^o 5 will exhibit a Statement of the Plank in each yard arranged according to their Thickness, lengths, and kinds; [1^st] the kind and quantity [wanted] for Frigate Sketch A [exclusive of the quantity for the] Frigate at Boston; [2^d] the Surplus divided into its [classes]. Class N^o 6 will exhibit the Number, [sizes] and kinds of Masts and Spars. It being contemplated to dispose of the timbers [assorted] under Class N^o 3, those under [Class N^o] 4 and the plank under [2] Class N^o 5, and such of the Masts and Spars as may not be wanted, or would [injure] by keeping, you will therefore endeavor to form an Opinion of what they would probably sell for, at the places where deposited and report the same. The timbers wanted from Newjork for the Frigates building at Phila^d 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 [allotted] for Frigate Sketch A, and the whole protected against the weather by proper sheets, and against theft 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 also 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 kind. 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 furnishing the timber and other Materials; 2 Their terms, the U.S. furnishing timber and plank; 3 Their terms, they taking the timber and plank for the purpose of valuation; 4 Their terms, the time they will finish her in, if [specified]. Best to obviate delay as much as possible, you will on your arrival at Newjork obtain from one or more of the principal Shipbuilders, upon what terms, and in what time they will engage to complete 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 they will engage to deliver such a [undecipherable] well seasoned timber. Their terms, the U.S. furnishing the timber, or they taking it at valuation may be obtained afterwards -- It is necessary that there should be responsible persons appointed to take charge of the timber and Naval Materials; you will therefore enquire for such, report their names and what they would consider as 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 expences 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. Day of July 1796. J. McH. Secy of War