[Tench Coxe Esq.] Catheads. sided 20 inches and moulded 18 In^s. Treenails For the bottom of the best heart [undecipherable] to drive after a 1⅜ inch auger, for the wales and upper works to drive after a 1⅛ inch auger, to be all plained to a moot and not suffered to be overhauled afterwards. (Signd) Joshua Humphreys. 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 choose 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. [same] 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