Order of the procurator to the strategos for building ten transport boats TM 19253Hermopolites

Aurelius Hierax, procurator of Lower Thebaid, to the strategos of the Hermopolite nome, […] greeting. […] by the letter in which I informed you that my lord the most eminent catholicus […] Serapodoros, having been instructed by me, (decided) that it is most necessary that thirty boats of 500 artabas be built for the transport of the […] to be […]. [Therefore see to it] as soon as you receive my letter to construct in the nome under you ten boats […] of 500 artabas capacity, gathering […] concerning which you were instructed long ago, and acacia and persea wood, and collecting [the workmen] in the city and making them work together on the construction […] from the various work […] bark […] as you were ordered, without fail, and yourself not unaware that overseers or expediters and […] most suitable and most prosperous are to be appointed for this at the risk of the council, and that the expenses, as is profitable to the treasury, are to be met from public funds. And so that, when the boats have been built, no [delay] may follow concerning hauling them down and making them serviceable, let provision be made now both for their rigging and for the sailors and pilots who are to sail in them. A time limit of two months has been set [for this]; therefore, using all vigour and zeal, apply your mind to each of the orders, or else, besides at once incurring a penalty if you are caught being negligent, you will also be in danger of your very life. I pray for your health. Year 20 and 12 of our lords Diocletian and Maximian Augusti and Constantius and Maximianus the most illustrious Caesars, Mecheir 1.