Sir War Office 20 March 1798 Gen^l A Jackson The House of Representatives having passed a resolution on the 8 Inst requiring information of what materials or apparatals may be left on hand after fitting out the Frigates United States, Constitution, Constitution To enable me to lay the necessary information before them it may be proper that I should be informed as speedily as possible of the exact quantity and description of all materials &c that will be left in The Navy Yard at that after fitting the Constitution for Sea in performing of which Service I beg that the Constructor and Clerk will afford every information and assistance you may out require of them — I am &c War Office 23 Mar 1798 Sir M^r J. Humphreys Captain John Barry of the Frigate United States reports that the knees in the Deck & Sides and other parts of that Ship are much opened the oakum loosened and those parts will require caulk previously to her leaving the Delaware I request therefore that you would be pleased to proceed on board said Ship and to make a careful Survey of the defects complained of and endeavour to form an Estimate of the probable expence attending any Such repairs which I beg you will transmit to this office without loss of time I am &c