rounded, there is a sufficient quantity of the small d [undecipherable] already provided that will answer for the lower deck. [M. Fenwick Esqr.] War Office August 13, 1796. Sir I have received your letters of the 1^st 2^d and 4^th. Mr. Hacket's proposals to build the thirty six gun frigate appears to be considerably worse than those of either Mr. Cheeseman or Mr. Fox but the time he would stipulate to launch his vessel is longer than could be wished. Be pleased to consult Mr. Hackett to know whether he will not engage in case his terms should be accepted to launch the Ship at an earlier day. Mr. Cheeseman proposes to deliver in ten months. [M. Fenwick Esqr.] War Office September 1, 1796. Sir It being thought advisable that the frigate agreeably to [undecipherable] it are your instructions Should be built by contract, you will confirm Mr. Hacket thereof, and that the terms which he has offered to build her on, have been communicated to the Secretary of the Treasury and approved of; Mr. Hacket may therefore proceed to make all preparatory arrangements for commencing the works without a moment's delay. Mr. Hacket is to be confirmed at the same terms that will be required as indispensible conditions in the Contract 1^st. That the frigate be delivered complete agreeable to Contract in ten months from the date of the reception of this letter. 2. That the public may furnish the timber or planking &c. which it may in its progress [undecipherable] the said frigate at a valuation. 3. That the timbers be valued by two disinterested, reputable, and well informed persons, who shall be on oath, one to be chosen on [undecipherable] Mr. [undecipherable] and the other on Mr. Hacket. If these should disagree, a third to be chosen by mutual consent who is also to act on oath. 4. That the United States Shall have a right to appoint an Inspector of the work. As soon as you obtain Mr. Hacket's consent to these conditions