[268] for Near Downing Town 16 Oct^r 1797 My nephew M^r John M^c Henry wrote to you by my order during my indisposition under date of 14 of Sep^t alto a copy of which is annexed I flatter myself this letter has been duly received and has had the effect intended. [Capt. Thompson Portsmouth] for Near Downing Town 16 Oct^r 1797 [back Finances] I enclose you an extract of a letter from Capt Nicholson dated the 9^th instant. I beg you to inform me whether the complement of Anchors for his Ship is ready. If so you will be pleased to take immediate measures to have them sent to Boston. If not, I beg you to lose no time in urging the Contractor to finish them & to forward them when finished. I wrote you on the 8 instant. Have you received that letter and what progress has been made in complying with its requisition. Gentlemen War Office 6 Decem^r 1797 [Holtz & Hennis our agents to Baltimore to be for military table No 4 motion to give from M^r J. M^cHen] It being judged adviseable that a further Estimate for the Naval Service should be in readiness to lay before Congress early in the Session to meet any deficiencies that may happen, by reason of the last appropriation falling short of its object in several instances; and as it is presumed an estimate cannot in the present state of the Naval business be correctly ascertained without a reference to those persons most immediately concerned. It may therefore be proper to request