conditions, you will ascertain from the most respectable [undecipherable] in what terms they will engage to furnish the [undecipherable] and [as] necessary for the Frigate, which you will inform me of as soon as possible. You will also proceed to separate agreeably to your instructions, such timber as may be [undecipherable] to the said Frigate. [M. Jacob Shays] War Office September 1, 1796. Sir, M. James Flacket having engaged to [build] a Frigate for the Mediterranean [force?] you will be pleased to deliver him such timber in your keeping as he may require for having the same valued by two disinterested, reputable and well informed persons who shall be on oath, one to be chosen by yourself the other by M. Flacket. If these should disagree, a third to be chosen by mutual consent who is also to act on oath. [M. Jacob Shays] War Office September 1, 1796. Sir, M. Fox has represented to me that there are several pieces of Live Oak in the [Navy] yard at Portsmouth proper, and much wanted for the Frigate [undecipherable: building?] I request therefore that you would please to have such pieces of live oak as shall be pointed out to you by M. Fox, or M. Flacket shipped on board of some vessel bound to [undecipherable: Boston?] as soon as may be. [M. Joshua Humphreys] War Office September 6, 1796. Sir, Be pleased to deliver to M. George [Claghorn?] all such pieces of Timber as may not be wanted for completing the Frigate now [building] by you, the pieces promised to be sent to Baltimore excepted.