[Docket: Joshua Humphreys – Dec: 31 – 1794. The [undecipherable] & [undecipherable] — [undecipherable] – [undecipherable], for – [undecipherable] [undecipherable] – for. circular [undecipherable] May 1795] [• 6 copies to be made] [To: The Hon. Henry Knox Esquire Secretary at War] [Humphreys Marine Claphane] Decem^r. 31. 1794 Sir, As the floor & raising timbers are ordered of live oak it will be necessary to recduce the throats of the 44 Gun frigates to twenty inches and at the floorsirmark to thirteen & half Inches, those for the 36 Gun Frigates to nineteen Inches, and at the floorsirmark to thirteen Inches, both at the post Sills as before directed, It will be necessary to bolt the Keel [strikethrough: thoughtships] at every three feet, alternate, upper & lower edge with Inch copper bolts, with large flat heads & broad saucer plates to rivet on – After laying down the transom, I found the rudder could not be fitted with a round head, without weakening the head of the stem post [strikethrough: undecipherable] more than would [strikethrough: undecipherable] be prudent, therefore it would be better to fit them in the common way. The lower deck Transom to be sided sixteen Inches in both Frigates I am with much esteem & Respect your &c Joshua Humphreys [[undecipherable] Secretary at War]