[M^r Josiah Fox Naval Constructor Portsmouth] [seal] [10] [Boston Sept. 19. 1796 Capt. Nicholson] [a rece. at Portson Sept. 20 h] Boston Sept. 19^th 1796 Dear Sir, I rec^d Yours of the 9^th Inst. am glad to hear M^r Sheafe has rec^d a letter with Orders from the Hon^ble Secretary of War to send your live Oak timber to us we shall be glad to receive it as soon as possible. We have not rec^d the Timber from Philad^a Yet, & expect its now on the passage. I rec^d a letter from Col. Claghorn Yesterday, who tells me he had Shiped us on a Schooner that Sailed the 12^th Inst. 30 p. live Oak. 30 lb Red Cedar and 22 p. for Orlop Deck beams. The timber we previously rec^d was from N. York 77 pieces. I am glad the Contract for building the Frigate for the Dey of Algiers is compleated with Col. Hackett. Col. Claghorn left Philadelphia the 12^th Inst. for Baltimore & Norfolk, in pursuit of live Oak Timber, the Col. Seems determined to see what he is to build his Frigate with before he quits — M^r Vaughn says he would not engage to deliver You the 32 Inch Masts in less than one year. I am with Respect Your H^ble Serv^t. Josiah Fox Esq^r. Sam Nicholson Portsmouth