[100] War Office July 12^th 1797 Dear Sir I beg leave to inform you that agreeably to your request of May 22^nd I applied to the Secretary of War for an extra Boat, for your Ships, unless he be informed one [strikethrough: favourit] Sire Granted without the like indulgences to each of the other Captains, he therefore is decidedly against it.— For your information I have inclosed you a Copy of the Military Stores order for your Ships, which is similar to what the United States will have, some have already been Shipped for Boston particularly the 3 Ton of Sheet Lead, which I picked out of the public Stores, the Shocket will may do for the Galley. But I wish it was somewhat thicker you will be so obliging, after it arrives, to Shrite your Opinions on it for the Ships use in General as — what Struggle with Mr Frames to get it— you will find some Sizes, some for express Covering of Taffted and Quarter Gallons & The officers are not yet appointed, but they will probably take place in one or two Weeks, as their Recommendations I expect will prevail — Mr Humphreys has not yet his Masts furnished, however I expect they will be Completed next week — Cap^t Truxton reports the Constellation will be Launched before the 20^th of August therefore I expect you will Launch before him. I have mentioned to Finish Frances, that you are yet six Wants of Two Cannons I am Sir respectfully your Friend Josiah Fox My respects to Mr Clagborne