[279] War Office 4 Decem. 1797 Sir I have received your letter of the 1 inst. It shall send down Capt. Barry and M. Descoules to prove such of the different Cannon as are in a Situation to undergo that experiment and that may be adjudged by them to be fit for service agreeably to the Contracts. The term of their coming down will depend on Capt. Barry who is at present very much engaged with the Frigate. I hope nothing will interrupt the completion of the 32 pounders which are much wanted. I am &c [Jemuel Highet Esquire] Mess. S. I. Harrells Gentlemen War Office 4 December 1797 The Chairman of the Committee of the House of Representatives on the Subject of the protection of Commerce house requested the Secretary of War to inform the Committee what further provisions appears to be necessary to complete and man the three Frigates for Sea — It must therefore be proper to request that you will be pleased to furnish the Estimate and such information called for in my letter of the [undecipherable] as [undecipherable] as convenient — I am &c [Mr Govild] Josiah Fox will be much obliged to Mr. Govild to inform him that part of the Sum of 60,000 at allows [undecipherable] Contracted by the Granted by the Treasury since the 8 [undecipherable] last, have been expended on each of the Frigates (United States, Constellation & Constitution) and where [undecipherable] in the amount and of the [undecipherable] [undecipherable]