[Tench Cox Esq^r 4 message 87 888] Sir, War dep^t October 22^nd 1794 I have the honor to transmit you the sizes of the beams 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. [p^d no charge] [length]