[Mess^rs Purn & Jno Harrit] Gentlemen, W. D. February 18. 1795 Herewith you will receive in a Tin case, the drawing of the Frigate to be built at Baltimore, prepared under the direction of M^r Humphreys the Constructor at this port. — [Circular] [To the Naval Agents] Sir, W. D. March 6^th 1795 When orders were given for using only live oak in certain parts of the Frigates that part which is here distinguished by the name of dead wood, was not mentioned because it was apprehended that live oak of the size requisite for that use could not be obtained. It is now understood that such live oak is attainable and in consequence it has been determined to use it for that timber of the Frigates which are called the dead wood. — This you will be pleased to attend. If the dead wood for your frigate has been prepared of white oak it must be laid aside at least for the present & until it shall be ascertained whether or not, live oak for that use can be procured. — [The President] iii. W. S. March 14. 1795 Solicitous to retain in the Public Service so estimable an Officer as I, reason bids I should to place the indulgence he requests on such ground as might save that Service from injury & afford a justification to the Executive of the United States in granting him a furlough. — Cap^t Dale will undoubtedly return from China in full time to take command of the frigate to which he has been appointed. The Superintending of her while building may be commu— b.