War Office August 2nd 1797 Sir Agreeably to your request I herewith inclose the terms of the, several Ships builders, which I have arranged in the best manner I could possibly in (from their letters) according to the various prices for Building, the two vessels John Patterson Comes for Building the Brig appears the Lowest, and Nathaniel Huttons for the Schooners but as those persons says nothing in their letters of What Timber they may have by them, it appears to me to be very doubtfull, that they Can build those Vessels by November next, by the Best information I have been able to obtain, there is but little live Oak and Red Cedar to be had in Philadelphia, & that is Chiefly in a few hands.– Since arranging the foregoing I have Mr I. Bowers explanation of his terms for Building the Brig–which by allowing 700 Yard of Flannel at 25Cts pr Yard, and Framing at 1. 50 Cts. pr Ton will bring his Terms to 82drs. 56 Cts. pr Ton which is 13 Cents above Mr Humphreys for a more Simple elucidation of their Terms I beg leave to State [undecipherable] as follows Viz– Mr Humphreys terms pr Ton is 32. 33 Cts. To frame fees pr Ton1.50 700 Yards of Flannel at 25 Cts pr Yd 288 Tons will be 60 in favor Mr Humphreys 13 Mr Bowers Terms including Framing &c. 34.56 I have also inclosed the opinions of the Shipwright on the proposed dimensions Stated so as to be seen at one time, and have taken the Liberty to add my own–they are Generally near those proposed–there will be no immediate necessity to [apply?] them– If my assistance should be wanted any further in this Business, I shall be ready to give every aid in my power I am Sir with Great respect Your Obdt. Servt Josiah Fox Honble. Timothy Pickering Secretary of State