[Copy] D^r Sir: I have this moment reced a ltr. from the Sec^t of War who wishes to have the frigate in the Stream as soon as possible and it is my desire that you may get every thing ready as soon as you can possible to comply with the same, it is the Sec^t orders that Lieut. Micras men to go on board and do duty as soon as they are on board, you will [strikethrough: as soon as possible they Marines a] Send the Soldiers to the fort if you can get fifteen or twenty Seamen to Work on board at fourteen dollars P^r Month or there about dont engage to give them more, you may get the same number of Landsmen but you must not give more than ten doll^rs P^r Month — You will please to inform D^r Gellaspy that it the Sec^t orders that he may go on board as soon as he pleases, I would wish to know by the bearer of you have Ships [strikethrough: your] rudder or get the anchors on board or any of the Cables from the Walk is the rigger at Work how many men employed and how many can you get to Stay on board on the above terms I am not able to Walk on my leg or I would have [strikethrough: you on board] this Morning Compl^ts to the Gen^l and believe me [strikethrough: your] to be with regard a yours &c JB S^t [undecipherable] Hall Sept. 1^st 1797 M^r John Mullowny Copy