Joshua Humphreys Correspondence
26 documents
Regarding Court of Inquiry & Resignation of General St. Clair
Discusses a proposed investigation of St. Clair's conduct, which cannot occur; also mentions St. Clair's prior decision to retire from the army once the inquiry had taken place, and why he has …
Joshua Humphreys CorrespondenceRequest for New Frigate Model to Allow for New Pattern Kentledge [Ballast]
Directs that another model of the frigate(s) to be built be sent to Commissioner of the Revenues Tench Coxe, to make allowance for a new pattern of kentledge [nautical scrap metal for ballast] for …
Joshua Humphreys CorrespondenceRequest for manpower calculations regarding cutting ship frames
Knox requests that Humphreys add to his calculations the number of men it would require to cut the frame of one of the vessels in Georgia in two months.
Joshua Humphreys CorrespondenceLetter from General Knox to Joshua Humphreys to prepare models and drafts of frigates April 1794
Letter signed by Henry Knox requests that Humphreys immediately prepare the models for the frame of the frigates proposed, including an accurate draft, and to have the frame accurately described.
Joshua Humphreys CorrespondenceErecting the Building for Making Molds
Knox writes that there should be no delay in erecting the building for making molds and it should be done after negotiating with the cheapest carpenters.
Joshua Humphreys CorrespondenceConference between Knox and Humphreys
Confirmation of meeting between Henry Knox and Joshua Humphreys at the War Office at any time before three o'clock 4 February 1794 if convenient to Joshua Humphreys.
Joshua Humphreys CorrespondenceRequest for Information on Dimensions of Iron Kentledge [Ballast]
Pickering asks that Humphreys inform him of the exact dimensions of the kentledge [scrap metal ballast] already received for use on the new frigates, that more may be contracted for.
Joshua Humphreys CorrespondenceRequest for Help to a Captain in Finding Lumber Buyers
Knox informs Humphreys that the bearer, Captain Malcolm, is from the region in Maine to which Knox is moving. Malcolm has brought in a cargo of lumber, and asks Humphreys to help Malcolm find …
Joshua Humphreys CorrespondenceRequest for Advice on the Cutting of Planks for a Frigate [Chesapeake]
Requests Humphrey's opinion on the current building of the frigate at Norfolk [the Chesapeake], and the dimensions of the planks being cut for her construction.
Joshua Humphreys CorrespondenceRegarding the Storage of a Supply of Handspikes
Refers to a problem with storing handspikes -- if they cannot be stored at the shipyard, Pickering notes that placement in the common storage would cost more than the entire cost of the handspikes. …
Joshua Humphreys CorrespondenceRegarding the Procurement of Bolts for Shipbuilding at Baltimore
Pickering states that Mr. Francis will be asking Humphreys about the quantity of bolts [presumably for the building of a frigate] that must be sent to Baltimore. Comments that the contracted smiths …
Joshua Humphreys CorrespondenceForwarding Stodder's Letter Regarding Construction of the Frigates
Pickering forwards David Stodder's letter regarding construction of the frigates. Pickering wishes all the builders to freely communicate their ideas, believing this will lead to the improvement of …
Joshua Humphreys CorrespondenceDiscussion of Use of Live Oak Timbers in Frigate Construction, Especially for Gun Decks
Refers to reviewing Mr. Humphreys' table of dimensions concerning the limbers for the 36-gun frigates, finding that their scantlings [the dimensions of the framing and structural portions] were too …
Joshua Humphreys CorrespondenceDiscussing Ship Construction
Stodder is discussing ship modeling and ship construction with Pickering. He recommends improvements in design and structure as well as evaluating the state of the timber being used for shipbuilding.
Joshua Humphreys CorrespondenceRequest for Standardization of Dimensions for Masts, Yards, & Other Ships' Components
Discusses the masting of the frigates currently under construction, recommends that the building superintendent of each ship be allowed to judge for themselves the construction of the masts and yards. …
Joshua Humphreys CorrespondenceRequest for Information on Types of Lumber for Shipbuilding
Requests clarification on the use of deadwoods and white oak in ship construction.
Joshua Humphreys CorrespondenceRequest for Overseeing of State and Launching of Frigate Constellation at Baltimore
Directs Humphreys to travel to Baltimore and consult with the constructors of the frigate Constellation on how to launch the ship without damaging it. Asks that he sound the depth of the water and …
Joshua Humphreys CorrespondenceRequest for Sale of White Pine & Yellow Oak Planks in Philadelphia
Knox informs Humphreys that he has a sizable quantity of white pine and yellow oak planks, and asks if Humphreys could inform him of the possibilities of selling the lumber in Philadelphia.
Joshua Humphreys CorrespondenceRequest for Detailed Inspection of Ships Being Offered to Government for Navy
Directs that Humphreys travel to Baltimore and examine the vessels being considered to carry 16-22 guns, the armament being six-, nine-, and twelve-pounders. Informs Humphreys of the ships in …
Joshua Humphreys CorrespondenceRegarding the Supplying & Armament of the Man of War Ganges
Notes that additional nine-pounders are being purchased for the ship Ganges, and asks Humphreys' advice on carriages for them; also notes that he has had the purveyor, Mr. Francis, obtain other …
Joshua Humphreys CorrespondenceOrder to Commence Repairs on Frigate United States
McHenry gives approval to begin repairs to frigate preparing ship for sea to police U.S. waters against French or other privateers.
Joshua Humphreys CorrespondenceDirections to Oversee the Supplying of Certain Naval Ships
Mentions that previous arrangements had been made to supply certain [naval] ship captains with the articles they required, but now asks that Humphreys see to this business, with the cooperation of the …
Joshua Humphreys CorrespondenceCongressional Inquiry Into the Leftover Materials at the Philadelphia Naval Yard
Congress has passed a resolution asking for information regarding what materials may be left over at the Philadelphia Naval Yard after the frigates United States, Constitution, and Constellation are …
Joshua Humphreys CorrespondenceRequest for Advice on Construction of Washington Navy Yard & Wharves There
Calls Humphreys' attention to the Navy Yard at Washington, where Navy agents are apparently awaiting Humphreys' input before beginning construction; also discusses the hiring of an individual who is …
Joshua Humphreys Correspondence
