that which remains after supplying the wants of the Frigate builders at Boston can be applied on your return. Be ever particular 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 expense, and that will never be wanting by being kept; you will of course in your distribution of it, keep them in view, and so plan the rest that it may be offered for sale without disturbing the [undecipherable: probable reading "other"]. I shall take into consideration with [undecipherable] a new yard for this timber at New York. [M' Jarman Chainman] [M' Chainman's pay commenced 14 July 96 by order of Secy of War] War Office July 23. 1796. Sir, As the preparing, arranging and securing of the timber and seeing it is safely transported from where it now is to [undecipherable], will require much care and attention, and as it will chiefly upon you to have it done, I agree to allow you for compensation, two hundred dollars in the present year. I rely upon you to carry the instructions which M' Fox will furnish you with into effect with as much economy as possible. [M' Josiah Fox] War Office, July 23. 1796. Sir, From the circumstances you state of the advantages of the yard at [undecipherable], it would appear to be most to the interest of the United States that it should be engaged. You will therefore either request M' [undecipherable: probable reading "Chainman"] to secure it, or engage the place yourself at a cost not exceeding the sum mentioned in your letter of the 10th. As soon as this is accomplished, you will furnish M' Chainman with a copy of my instructions to you, so far as concerns the examining and appointing of the timber, and with a copy of that part of my letter of the 22^d relative to the same subject for his government, and direct him to proceed in