conditions, you will ascertain from the most respectable [undecipherable] smiths in what terms they will engage to furnish the Iron work 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 suitable to the said Frigate. M^r Jacob Shays[e] War Office September 1, 1796. Sir, M^r James Hacket having engaged to build a Frigate for the Mediterranean power, you will be pleased to deliver him such timber in your keeping as he may require, him having the same valued by two disinterested, reputable, and well informed persons who shall be on oath, one to be chosen by you, the other by M^r Hacket. If these should disagree, a third to be chosen, by mutual consent, who is also to act on oath. M^r Jacob Shays[e] War Office September 1, 1796. Sir, M^r 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 building at [undecipherable]. I request therefore that you would please to have such pieces of Live oak as shall be pointed out to you by M^r Fox, or M^r Hacket shipped on board of some vessel bound to Boston as soon as may be. M^r Joshua Humphreys War Office September 6, 1796. Sir, Be pleased to deliver to M^r George Claghorn all such pieces of timber as may not be wanted for the completing the Frigate now building by you, the pieces promised to be sent to Baltimore excepted.