[Navy Dep^t / Ben Stoddert] [OCT 2] Joshua Humphreys Esq^r to the care of M^r [undecipherable] at the Bush Tavern 2 [undecipherable] Eight Miles [undecipherable] on the [undecipherable] Miles [undecipherable] Road [received / Oct^y 20^th 1799] [21 [undecipherable]] Navy Department 2^nd Octob^r 1799 Sir Presuming from your letter of the 26^th ult^o that the Augusta is in such a state of forward ness, and your arrangements so made as to prevent any inconvenience or delay by your absence, I must beg leave to call your attention to the Navy Yard at the City of Washington. By letters from M^r Marbury it appears that they only wait for your plan and instructions to commence their operations. These instructions can be best given on the spot, and no doubt a further survey of the water will be necessary to assist your judgment, and ascertain the things to be done, as it ought to be with a view to a permanent establishment, and also begging you at your [undecipherable] to request that you will, as soon as may be take another trip to Washington, and point out the spot where the Wharf shall be — also the size of it. Then in [undecipherable: Philadelphia] you mentioned to me a gentleman well acquainted with the construction of Wharves. Would you be of opinion that the presence and superintendence of such a person, will be of importance, you will be pleased to take him with you and let him to remain till the work is so far advanced as that no material inconvenience will be hazarded by his absence. I have the honor to be Sir, your most Ob^t S^t Ben Stoddert Joshua Humphreys Esq^r