[Sam: Hodgdon Esq^re] War Office Decem^r 8. 1797 The Committee of the House of Representatives for the protection of Commerce having called on the Secretary of War for information relative to completing and Manning the three Frigates for Sea — I therefore beg that you will be so kind as to inform me of the value of Arms and Accoutrements complete for 8 Serjeants 8 Corporals 3 Drums 3 Fifes and 140 Marines together with their necessary bedding Hammocks exclusive of as the above will constitute a part of the Estimate for the insuing Year. — I am &^c Josiah Fox