Catheads. sided 20 inches and moulded 18 In^s. Treenails For the bottom of the best heart locust to drive after a 1⅛ inch auger, for the wales and upper works to drive after a 1½ inch auger, to be all plained to a moot and not suffered to be overhauled afterwards. (Signed) Joshua Humphreys [Tench Coxe Esq^r] Sir War department October 9^th 1794. Captain Truxton has stated to me the propriety of purchasing some blocks which may be had in this City, & which in his judgment are preferable to new ones. If you should agree for the price Captain Truxton will be so good as to chose those only which will be of real service. [same] Sir W. d. October 17^th 1794. I have learned that there is some question pending upon the quality of the beams which are to be used in the Frigates, that is whether they shall be of oak or pine & that you are in possession of certain opinions upon this subject. I will thank you to be so good as to transmit me these papers Captain Truxtons letter included, in order if necessary that I may decide thereon. [daine] Sir W. D. October 17^th 1794. I have attentively perused the papers relatively to the question of pine or oak beams for our frigates. Altho' I have an high respect for the opinion & judgment of M^r Humphreys in Naval Architecture, yet in the present instance I am apprehensive that the experience in favor of Pine beams is not so mature & conclusive as to warrant their use in construction of the present frigates. Hereafter perhaps it may be done. — But as far as my judgment is to have any influence, I am of opinion that for the present it will be the wisest course to adhere to the oak for the lower & gun decks which when properly prepared has received the sanction of experience, time & the best maritime nations. The spar or quarter & orlop decks &c may be of the best pitch pine. [Tench Coxe Eq^r] [+ see page 87.88] Sir, War dep^t October 22^nd 1794. I have the honor to transmit you the sizes of the beam for the Frigates on the principle of the lower and Gun decks being of White oak. Upon the earnest entreaty of M^r Humphreys the Constructor and understanding from him that Captain Barry is also of the same opinion I beg leave to withdraw my objection as to the Pine beams for the lower and Gun decks for the Forty four Gun Frigate which is to be built in this city. The confidence M^r Humphreys entertains of the superiority of Pine beams and the experiments and certificates thereon will in my judgment justify the experiment. [vide another page]