[M^r Alton & Doc.] War Office August 13. 1796. Sir, I have received your letters of the 1^st 2^d and 4^th. M^r Hacket's proposals, in building the thirty six gun frigate appears to be considerably lower than those of either M^r Cheesman or M^r Peck. but the time he would stipulate to launch her, is longer than could be wished. Be pleased to consult M^r Hacket to know whether he will not engage in case his terms should be accepted to launch the Ship at an earlier day. M^r Cheesman proposes to deliver in ten months. [M^r Alton & Doc.] War Office September 1. 1796. Sir, It being thought adviseable that the frigate agreeably to which it are your instructions Should be built by contract; you will conform M^r 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. M^r Hacket may therefore proceed to make all preparatory arrangements for commencing the work without a moment's delay. M^r Hacket is to be confirmed at the same terms that will be required as indispensible conditions in the Contract 1st. that the frigate be delivered complete agreeably to Contract in ten months from the date of the reception of this letter. 2. That the public may furnish the timber & plank, & which it was in the proper for the said frigate at a valuation. 3. That the timber be valued by two disinterested, reputable and well informed persons, who shall be on oath, one to be chosen on the M^r Hogg and the other by M^r Hacket. If they 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 M^r Hacket's assent to these conditions