Sir, T.D. S^to O. November 15 1794 I have the honor to acknowledge the rect of y^r letter of the 1^st inst. desiring the rising and floor timbers for the Frigates to be procured of live oak. The necessary measures are commenced to procure these timbers conformably, & to countermand purchases of white oak therefore, so far as they shall not be made. But as contracts may have been completed, & the latter may not be willing to annul, it is necessary to know whether you desire the live oak in these cases to be procured, if the W^t Oak sold for the public account. I beg leave to express an opinion, that many of the timbers now required to be of live oak, have to undergo as severe trials of their strength or as destructive causes of decay as any in the whole frame. You will perceive Sir that this variation will have some effect to retard the progress of the Naval Armament. — I have the honor The Sec^y at War. Signed [Cores?] C.A.