[Page 198] to much or Obtained on equal terms here — Under these Impressions I shall Suggest to Cap^t Thompson my concurrence in his proposals with some exceptions to which I have no doubt he will accede. if there should occur to you no objection against so employing him, as throwing the business into the train of execution which has been suggested [Secretary of the Treasury — for the Statement see page 280] Sir W C Decm 13 1796 — I enclose you a Copy of Articles &c that will be necessary by the report of Cap^t Hutchins to compleat and equip the Frigate building at Portsmouth for the Mediterranean Service — There are sufficient Staves & Hoops in Store at that place for all the Water Casks, and a [undecipherable] 13 feet long in length with the cut and State, that was built for the other Frigate [Secretary of the Treasury] Sir W C Decm 17 1796 It appears from the Opinion of Cap^t Barry, Cap^t Truxton and W^m Joshua Humphreys, That Timber patent present is preferable to [undecipherable: probable reading "Cloan"] present — you will therefore be pleased to order Some of them for each of the Frigates accordingly — [Mess^rs [undecipherable] & Nicholls Naval Agents] Sir W C Decm 26 1796 I received your Letter of the 22 Instant, by the last Mail and have this Day given orders to Cap^t Howell Morris to furnish a guard from his command with proper instructions for the protection of the Frigate and other public property in the Navy Yard —