[Copy] Boston June 18^th 1793 Sir I received your letter dated 25 th May, informing me you considered my duties as Constructor to have ceased for some time & that my Salary ended on the first of April last — This communication is not a little Surprizing to me, when it is understood that my whole time & exertions have been employed in finishing and compleating the Ships until the first instant two months after time you considered me discharged. this certainly cannot be Reason, or Equity, and if you will please to examine my appointment as Constructor, you will observe that I am particularly responsible to the Public that all parts of the Frigate are properly executed ageable to the plans, and directions Sent me from the War Office, and I did not feel myself at liberty to make any other engagements until the object was effected — Conscious that I have performed my duty with faithfulness, and Integrity to the best of my their Judgement for the Interest and honor of the United States — I feel a confidence that you will see the propriety of immediately ordering my Salary forwards up to the end of the present quarter, or at least for the two months in which I was actually employd in the duties of my appointment as Constructor — It cannot be relinquished, as every principle of Honor & Justice demands it — I am with perfect esteem Your H^ble Serv^t George Claghorn The Hon^ble James McHenry Secretary of War