executing the same as expeditiously as possible. When you have managed this Business, you may proceed to Boston and Portsmouth. [M^r Jeremiah Cheesman] Pha^d July 30. 1796. Sir, I have received your letter of the 29^th inst informing me of M^r Fox's departure for Boston. I had written M^r Fox on the 25^th inst expecting that he would have left New York & suddenly little to engage his aid at Corlears hook, to request you to receive at a draft not exceeding two hundred and seventy, [undecipherable] New York currency per annum. You will be pleased to arrange it, for the United States at its most cost, and to forward it, execute the orders you have under a more secure from M^r Fox, relative to fastening, placing and securing the timber. I will appoint Wright Jaclient to deliver the key and take into your keeping. [M^r John Blagg] War Office August 8. 1796. Sir, M^r Fox has written to me that he had selected from the timber at New York, sixteen pieces of live Oak for Baltimore, and sixteen pieces for Boston. I will thank you to have them shipped as soon as may be to their respective places of destination. M^r Cheesman will point out to you the several pieces to be forwarded. [Jeremi Cheesman] War Office August 14. 1796. [the same to David Stodder] Sir, I am directed to inform you that the manner of cutting the cross deck knees and principal bolts of the ship deck of the Frigate building by you for the United States should be of copper of the size as before directed; if no copper bolts for the Ledges have been heretofore of the proper size, they may be made from the cuttings or some of the larger bolts split and [rounded]