[Messrs Nicklin & Griffith] War Department 4^th May 1799 Gentⁿ The Hamburg Packet having been purchased for account of the United States and Instructions given that the Naval Constructor cause such alterations and improvements to be promptly made as may be necessary to prepare the Ship for Sea in as effectual a manner as possible for the purposes of her destination. You are requested to accept the agency of paying the Workmen employed in her and procuring such as belong Stores and other articles as being indispensible and proper May be directed. In all these cases you will preserve and present such Vouchers, as may be produced to the Accounting Offices —