[C] War Office Sep^to 3^d 1797 [Novr] Dear Sir Having been absent from the W.O. during the prevalence of the late disease that afflicted this City, most out of my Power to learn any of the Circumstances that Retarded the Constitution on her ways, but am happy to have it in my power to congratulate yourself & Col^o Claghorn on her being committed in Safety to those Elements in Spite of the Malignant Wishes of the Jacobinical Faction — I have written to Gen^l Jackson to request him to endeavour to form as correct an Estimate as Circumstances will admit, of what further sums will be necessary to finish and Equip her for Sea, that part of the Naval business falling on him — to make up and lay before Congress; tho Supposed I cannot form a just Estimate if actual further sums may be wanted without more confidence — In this Exigency I shall be much obliged to you for your assistance to Gen^l Jackson — If you can find leisure to inform me what Nifer will be necessary for your Ships together with Boatswains and Carpenters [Stores] Stores I shall be under great obligations to you for such information and am Sir Respectfully your Ob^dt hb^t Josiah Fox Cap^t J. Macnalson Boston