[Mr. Jacob Sheafe] Sir, War Office September 21. 1796. I have been favoured with your letter of the 13 inst. You will be pleased to send such pieces of live oak and plank, whether oak or pine to Boston as may be pointed out by Mr Fox and deliver such pieces of timber and oak or pine plank to Mr. Hacket as shall be selected by Mr Fox for the new frigate to be built by that Gentleman having the same previously valued. The idea is that the timber previously destined for the new frigate be immediately separated from that which is to be reserved in future use, and the whole of it valued, after which it is to be at Mr. Hackets dispose. To be calling upon persons to value any piece as they should want it would be to give them, you and the public officers a great deal of unnecessary trouble. You will therefore be kind enough to notify Mr. Hacket to attend to make the selection and to appoint a person on his part to value upon the valuation.