[M^r Quincy —] [Addressed: M^r Josiah Fox / Naval Constructor / Philadelphia — By Sloop nancy / Cap^t Geo. Wiggins] Portsmouth New Hamp^re March 27^th 1797 Dear friend This will be handed you by Cap^t George Wiggins of the Sloop nancy, on board of I have shipped you a keg of Butter 64^th N^o as a bill enclosd which I hope will arrive safe & the butter prove agreeable. M^rs Sheafe was kind enough to supply me with it being from her own family store. M^rs Q sitting by me, advises your adding to the butter, a good strong pickle, well strained to preserve it sweet. I wrote you hastily by post of the 3 inst. since which I have received my last quarters Salary on the old establishment. I have been & am now busily engaged in the delivery of the Live & white oak timber for the Ship at Boston but expect in all this week to compleat the quantity sent for — I think you would be pleased to see the progress made in the Algerine Frigate, she is really a pretty model & thus far I believe done in a workman like manner — I suppose she will be closed in by the 12^th of April weather permitting. We have had here, an uncommon hard winter, intensely cold & since the spring commenced, very boistrous which with short days is against the builder — Col. Hackett has about 40 men in the yard the greater part of whom are reputed to be excellent Carpenters that if nothing material happens to retard the work the Ship will be ready to launch by the beginning of July — I hope we shall have your company at the launching, as you planned the Ship it must afford you pleasure to see the completions of your design — We often talk of you & wish you were nearer that we might sometimes see you — Please to make my Respects to M^r Fox joined with those of M^r Quincy who desires to be particularly remembered to you — M^r Sheafe & family also desire their best regards — I am with esteem Sir, Your friend & Obed^t Servant Edmund H. Quincy P.S. Write me how you find the butter, as it is probable the vessel that brings you this will be a constant trader to Philad^a any articles you may wish to send to me for may very often be sent you. Y^r E.H.Quincy