[Page 214] for W. C. January 17, 1797 Since my letter to you of the 22 of Dec^m last It has been thought adviseable to keep Mr. [undecipherable: Pennsy] 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. [undecipherable: Harshell] which will come under your immediate charge and direction. It being very wise 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 — [Capt. Tho. Thompson] --- for W. O. January 12, 1797 — 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 in 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 Mercantile line It was unfortunate quite unforseen by the President of this that when he appointed you to the Command of that frigate — 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 [Capt. James Sever / Kingston / Massachusetts —]