[2182] [Capt. Tho. Thompson Portsmouth] Sir W.O. January 12^th 1797 Your letter of the 30 of Decem^r. with your acceptance of [undecipherable: probable reading "your"] appointment has been received. It will be proper that you correspond with Tench Francis Esq^r Purveyor of Supplies relative to Materials for the equipment of the Frigate, and who will give you directions for the purchase of such Materials as can be procured at Portm^o to advantage . . . He will also furnish you with Money as occasion may require, and for all your disbursements you are to procure and transmit to him proper Accounts & Vouchers It is expected you will carefully examine all parts of the Hulls and Materials that nothing unsound or defective be used in any part thereof, and that the Contracts entered into by M^r Hackell and Mess^rs Hulls are faithfully adhered to you will at least once in each Month inform me of the progress of the Work and likewise the quantity of Materials received into the Public Stores [Mr E.J. Quincy] Sir War Office January 12^th 1797 It having been in Contemplation to make some new Arrangements in the Navy yard at Portm^o and Capt. Thomas Thompson being appointed to Superintend the Frigate building by M^r Hackell, as likewise to take charge of the Materials and the property belonging to the public in that Navy Yard occasions the attendance of a Clerk no longer necessary. It therefore becomes my duty to inform you that after making out a final return of all the Materials &c in your possession, you will deliver them together with all Books and papers pertaining to your Office to Capt. Thomp