War Office 20 March 1798 Sir The House of Representatives having passed a resolution on the 15 inst requiring information of what materials or apparatus may be left on hand after fitting out the Frigates United States, Constitution & Constellation 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 at require of them — I am &c War Office 23 Mar 1798 Sir Captain John Barry of the Frigate United States reports that the knees in the Deck Clamps &c 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 such repairs which I beg you will transmit to this office without loss of time I am &c [Gen^l A. Jackson] [M^r J. Humphreys]