[128] War Office December 16^th 1796 Sir I beg leave to inform that the Estimate forwarded to the Secretary of the Treasury of the Quantity of Cables Stain —anding Rigging necessary for the Frigate Building for the Me — diterranean Service, numbered the whole of those articles required for a Sloop of War of the Dimensions of that Frigate. The Bolt ropes, Points Gaskets, and Robins for the can — vas not included in that estimate, as they are generally estimated and furnished by (or under the direction of) the Sailmakers. I suggest the propriety of adding 10 P^r Cent to the amount of Cordage in the aforesaid estimate to answer the demands of the Sailmakers & for some rerigging, that a Sufficient quantity of Hemp may be provided to Compleat the Cordage necessary for said Frigate. I am Sir with respect your Most ob^t Ser^t Josiah Fox [initials] The Secretary of War,