Navy Yard Balto. 29t Jany. 1798 Sir I received yours of the 24th Inst. this day at noon, and pay every attention to the contents. Every exertion was made to complete the Constellation after I received the last Live Oak timber for her frame which was the last of October ‘96, my letter to you of the 20th April last details the principal causes which delayed the completion of tis Frigate beyond the period it was expected she would have been finished, provided that letter should be mislaid I enclose you a coppy. I am, Sir With the greatest Respect Your most ob. Servant David Hadden Honorable James McHenry Esqr. Secy. of War