[231] Sir War Office May 1^st 1797 You will be pleased to pay the proceeds of the sales of white Oak and pine Timber, which are remaining in your hands into the Office of discount and deposit at Newport, on account of Samuel Meredith Esq^r Treasurer of the United States for which you are requested to take duplicate receipts, one of which you will transmit to Samuel Meredith Esq, under cover to the Secretary of War. The other you will retain in your possession. [M^r F. Cheesman] Sir War Office May 13^th 1797 As it appears very probable that Congress will adjourn early in this Session, general information relative to the State of the Frigates now in construction and the State of the Materials and Stores for their equipment. I have therefore to request, that you will, in conjunction with the Constructor make a general Report to this Office as soon as possible of the State of the Hull of the Frigate Constitution, together with all necessary Materials and Stores provided for her equipment, and also the probable time she may be launched, and completely equipped for Sea. It is expected that in every part of said Statement you will be as particular and explicit as possible. [Capt S. Nicholson Boston] Sir W. O. May 20, 1797 It being highly probable that the Nine and Six pounders contracted to be furnished from Cecil furnace will be wanted early in their work, you will therefore be pleased to inform me, what state of forwardness they are in, and if any part of them are ready for proving, and when you expect the remainder will be ready. Shortly after your assuring me of their being ready for proving to inform the Engineers who will proceed to Cecil Furnace and enter upon that Business immediately. [Gen^l Hughes Esq^r Cecil furnace]