[Tench Francis Esq. Purveyor of Supplies Recorded] F. D. October 14, 1797 Sir M^r O'Brien has been with me this morning & will inform you of the state of things at Hughes [undecipherable]. The five nine pounders here, The two at N York, & the rest must be shipped for Portsmouth [underline: immediately]. We, have men their furniture & [undecipherable] from Hughes, but this is so uncertain that no risque must be incurred. M^r O'Brien [says] that a Vessel of 80 Tons cannot come within five miles of the works — you must write to M^r Sterrett to apply to [undecipherable: probable reading "Capt."] [undecipherable: probable reading "Truxtun"] for and the [undecipherable: probable reading "loans"], or then wish to procure Blocks, falls, & a boat to tow the cannon on board of the Vessel which may be chartered — M^r O'Brien [says] that there are Northern Vessels in Baltimore if so, & [should], suppon it would be best to charter one from that quarter to carry the [undecipherable]— I wish you to inquire of M^r. Sterrett what would be the price not any of [two] Schooners which M^r O'Brien viewed in Baltimore — and of those belonged to M^r. [undecipherable: probable reading "Yellot"]. The 10. 24 pounders are nearly ready — again if I recollect, battering carriages, [want] to be provided — if so, an order ought to be given to have [undecipherable] them made — it will save time to have [this done] at Portsmouth — [If] it [is] not time to take measures for [putting] Provisions for the Frigates? The Masts at [undecipherable] or [undecipherable] are suffering, they ought to be drawn out of the Water, [strikethrough: trimmed &] covered with [undecipherable], especially if [they are] considered as public property. — I am &c Tench Francis Esq