[Illegible Text notice: Some or all of the pages of this file are wholly or in part illegible. We have not been able either to locate a better copy of the document, or to enhance its legibility electronically.] Sir Boston, August 2^nd 1796 Agreeably to my promise I have herewith enclosed, upon a Statement of Masts, Spars, and Plank [undecipherable] by the U.S. Arsenal. I was requested by the Secretary of War to procure upon the best terms and [undecipherable] in Service as possible. I have therefore to request you to be pleased to State your lowest terms in [undecipherable] them, after you will agree to [undecipherable] the Whole, or any [undecipherable] part possible at a proper [undecipherable] for Shipping the same in [undecipherable] of [undecipherable: Suitable]. [undecipherable] the [undecipherable] of [undecipherable] required and to at [undecipherable] and at [undecipherable] with the [undecipherable] same from [undecipherable]. 1^st You best please to State your terms for Masts of [undecipherable] Inches [undecipherable] as the [undecipherable] by the [undecipherable: Naval Stores] [undecipherable] 2^nd Your terms for [undecipherable: Spars] of [undecipherable] Inches [undecipherable] at no 10 [undecipherable] from the [undecipherable]. 3^rd Your terms for the Whole and placed by feet [undecipherable] or any other way of Measurement. 4^th Your terms for the [undecipherable] forwards, as the [undecipherable]. 5^th Your terms for the [undecipherable] Scantling by the same [undecipherable] foot or Price. 6^th The times you will engage to [undecipherable] the Whole or any part of the Materials [undecipherable]. I also beg the [undecipherable: favor] of your answers or [undecipherable] to the above questions as early as possible that I may transmit them to the Secretary of War for his Consideration. [15] I have also [undecipherable] you the Dimensions of a Sloop of [undecipherable] [undecipherable] corresponding to carry [undecipherable] Guns. Should you be inclined to [undecipherable] to build a Sloop of [undecipherable: Double] Dimensions, of [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] Oak Conformable to a Draught [undecipherable] prepared by the [undecipherable: Board] of [undecipherable: War] you will please to State your terms, and the [undecipherable] you will engage to have Completed, and [undecipherable] here in. & [undecipherable] with respect. Your Obt Serv^t Mr. [undecipherable: Nassington] [undecipherable] [undecipherable]. ( [undecipherable: Navy Commissioner]) A Statement of Masts, Spars, and Plank and Scantling needed for use of the United States. 60 Masts 90 feet Long [undecipherable] Inches [undecipherable] on the [undecipherable]. 110 [undecipherable: Spruce] 80 feet Long 20 [undecipherable] at [undecipherable] feet from the [undecipherable: Butt] 1500 White Oak plank 44 feet Long 6 Inches Thick, and from [undecipherable] to 14 Inches wide 1500 [undecipherable: pine] plank [undecipherable] feet Long, 6 Inches Thick and from [undecipherable] to 14 Inches [undecipherable] 200 pieces of [undecipherable: pine] Scantling [undecipherable] feet Long 6 Inches Square