constructed, was not prescribed without much enquiry & deliberation, & the advice of well informed Men. The plans & directions, therefore, which have been adopted by the Department of War & communicated to the several constructors are to be exactly followed — But if in the progress of the Work, it should appear, that any alterations & improvements may be advantageously introduced, they must be proposed, with the reasons for them, to the Department of War, & receive its sanction previous to their being adopted by the Constructors. — [circular] [To the Captains of the Frigates] N^o 16 & March 31. 1795. Captain Burchew who is appointed to command one of the frigates of the United States, has presented a copy of his book entitled "General Instructions & Examples relating to the Latitude & Longitude &c" with an appendix on the Masting of Ships, for each of the other Captains of the Navy of the U.S. which he has requested me to transmit to them. One for you accompanies this letter. — I also enclose to you a copy of a letter from Cap^t Burchew containing some remarks on an English book which Talony received & put into his hands. He wishes that the subject of Masting &c of Ships might engage the attention of the Gentlemen in particular who are engaged in our Navy; & that they would compare his principles & proportions with the dimensions of the Masts & yards, prescribed by ell^d, and the author of the English book before mentioned, and that their observations might be communicated with a hope, that these may lead us to some useful improvements. — Having stated these two points for your consideration, I am most that you will favor me with such observations as shall occur to you on the subject proposed. —