Navy Yard July 25^th [1799] N° 18 Sir, I received your letter yesterday presenting the Secretary of War being very desirous that the Frigate [undecipherable: Constellation?] should be launched in the [best] manner and with as little expense to the UStates as [pos]sible (and judging that your service may be necessary to assist Mr. Stoddard in performing that Service desires me &c. "I have waited on him [and] it is with pleasure and with alacrity I shall always Receive and obey while in the Service of the UStates any order of the Secretary of War. — But Sir, I cannot receive here after, or attend to any directions from you, either directed by the Secretary at War when you title yourself Naval Constructor, you [must] Know, that my [station] [in] Services of the UStates requires no direction from a Naval Constructor you also Know that I am at the [underline: head of that Department] — and when you direct a letter to me let it be in [title] as [underline: Clerk of the Marine Department]. Whenever the Secretary, wishes my Services no longer necessary you may, then to other persons Assume such titles as your Vanity may Suggest. I am with Respect Joshua Humphreys Naval Constructor to the United States —