War Office. 22 July 1796. Sir,) I have received your letters of the 18^th. and 20^th. inst.^{& 21st} I incline to think that after selecting the Timbers wanted for the Boston Frigate, it will be attended with no disadvantage to proceed to Boston and Portsmouth, previous to arranging the Timber in New York. That which remains after supplying the wants of the Frigate building at Boston can be asorted on your Return. It being probable that no other timber will be reserved for future use, than the largest and finest pieces of live oak, such as is procured with difficulty and at great expence, and that will receive no injury by being kept; you will of course in your distribution of it, keep this in view, and so place the rest that it may be offered for Sale without disturbing the other. I shall take into consideration in the mean while a new Yard for the Timber at New York. I am Sir Your obedient Servant James McHenry Secy of war M^r Josiah Fox, Naval Constructor. [Addressed: War Office / James McHenry / M^r Josiah Fox / FREE / at M^r Forman Cheesman's / New York] [Docketed: War Office July 22 1796 / Secretary of War / directing me to proceed / to Boston, Portsmouth. / extract sent to M^r Cheesman / on / August. 2. 1796 / New York / rece. 25. July]