[for] W.C. January 17. 1797 [Capt. Tho. Thompson] Since my letter to you of the 22 of Decem: last It has been thought adviseable to keep M: Denny in his present Situation, and to put into his keeping all the property deposited in the Navy Yard except such as pertains to the Frigate building by M: Harslett which will come under your immediate charge and direction — It being our wish to keep the business of that Frigate distinct from the one Suspended — Orders were sent by last post to Capt. [undecipherable] to resign his appointment as Inspector of the Frigate to you which I expect has been done — [for] W.O. January 12. 1797 [Capt. James Sever Kingston Massachusetts —] I received your letter of 29 of Oct. last and should have answered it before had it not been accidentally mislaid — The disappointment you experienced by the Work on the Frigate you was to have commanded being Suspended was no doubt very great and I am sorry it should have proved disadvantageous to your other pursuits in a Merchantable line it was circumstances quite unforseen by the President of this that when he appointed you to the Command of that Ship — No commissions having been issued to any of the Captains of the Navy prevents me from being able to comply with your request I shall however send you one as soon as in my power your pay and Subsistance have been transmitted to you agreeably to your wishes and which I expect you have received