[Portsm May 3. 1797 M^r James Hackett] Portsm . May 3 1797 Dear Sir The frigate is now in considerable forwardness having her lower deck laid, ceiled up in the Hold & between decks up[per] deck beams in [undecipherable] her bottom squared [undecipherable: fet] for Caulking. I shall set ten Caulkers to work next monday. I think there is no doubt but I shall be ready to Launch by the last of June — — The following matter I wish you to state to the Secretary of War to wit Whether permission may be granted me to take some of the large pieces [of] Maple Timber (say 20) which were procured for Launching ways for the other frigate to Launch this frigate on by returning them again into the dock free from any damage whatever; and should the old frigate go on the timber will be ready fixed for that use and not injured for any other use — Should the Secretary see fit to grant the above request you will please to let me know as soon as possible — — I am Sir your sincere friend & humble Servant James Hackett [My regards to M^r [undecipherable] & family, V. M^r [undecipherable]] M^r Josiah Fox [undecipherable]