M^r Henry Phelps Merchant Sir, I am informed that a vessel of yours, called the America which arrived this morning in the Port of Philadelphia is calculated for an armed Ship and capable of being mounted with 16 nine or six pounders. Should [strikethrough: you] be inclined to dispose of the vessel alluded to, I beg the favor of you to inform me of the lowest Price you would require, and also a fair description of the vessel & Stores — I am with great respect Sir, War Office 23^d April 1798 [Joshua Humphreys [undecipherable] Capt.] War Office 25^th [Apr.] 1798 Gen^l [undecipherable] You will be pleased to examine the Ship her Rigging, and report her age, the exact State of her Sides, Masts & yards, rigging Sails and every Particular by which a Judgement can be formed of her Value, also the number of Guns she can carry, [undecipherable] and her fitness for a vessel of war. You will also State the alterations, repairs & articles which she will require to fit her for sea, the time in which she can be So fitted, and an estimate of the expense. —