[2.71 a] War Office 30^th November 1797 Sir It being Judged proper that an Inventory should be taken of the Timber plank &c that will remain in the Navy Yards after the completion of the Constitution. I beg you will be so kind as to assist the Clerk in performing this Service with your advice and see that his orders are Strictly carried into effect. I am Sir [Capt Thomas Truxton] War Office the 30 November 1797 Sir Having instructed the Clerk of the Navy Yards to take an exact Inventory of the Timber plank &c that will remain after the completion of the Constitution, and being of opinion such Service cannot be performed without your advice and assistance in executing this instructions on the motives of the Service may be questionable I am Sir [Mr David Stodder] War Office 30 July 1797 Sir Mr Burke called at the Office that from [undecipherable] in enquiry of his assistance would be necessary to fix the [undecipherable] in the Constitution. The Secretary of War being unwilling to add any unnecessary persons to the Naval Service. We beg you will be much obliged to you for such information as may be requisite that he may be enabled to Judge of the Expediency of M^r Burkes going to Balt^o on that Service I am Sir [Capt Thomas Truxton] [...1797...] [Page 274 ZXA06]