[Capt. T Thompson Portsmouth] Sir                                                    W.O. June 28. 1797              Your letter of the 15 instant has been received. I have no objection to the term of launching being extended for a few days, that the frame work may be fixed and the coppering completed before the Ship is put into the Water: you will therefore be pleased to communicate to M^r Penhall my approbation of the postpont., and that he is hereby Authorized to retain the frigate on the Stocks untill the 4^th of July next, if he shall think proper to do so, without his Contract being injured thereby.              The Vessel that has the articles necessary for completing the Frigate sailed from this port near a fortnight since. Wherefore entertain a hope she has arrived before this time. [Capt. T. Truxton Baltimore] Sir                                                     War Office June 29 1797              Congress have just passed the Bills for completing and Manning the Frigates; as therefore the appointment of the Officers will be entered upon early in the ensuing week. I shall be glad if you would as soon as possible come to Philadelphia that I may consult with you on the Merit of some of the Candidates.