conformity, or to discharge the Constructor. — I do not see how an authority can be given to regulate disputes without a power of dismissing the refractory. If this would be a departure from the regulations prescribed in all other Cases, it does not seem expedient to make that of Baltimore an exception. But by your prudence, you may reconcile disputants, restore & preserve harmony in the yard. If any of the persons employed, are indolent, incapable, or incorrigibly quarrelsome, the Agent who procures the Workmen ought to dismiss them. The Superintendant, it is expected, will suffer no kind of abuse to take place without giving information thereof to the Department of War. M: Francis, the Surveyor, has sent off some copper bolts for Baltimore. They must be reduced to the proper size, before they are used. Let the progress of the Work & other circumstances dictate when you should write, instead of making a weekly report according to your former instructions. — [M: David Stodder / Constructor / Baltimore.] Sir W. D. April 9^th 1795. It has been represented to me that the person sent from Philadelphia to assist you in the construction of the Frigate which is to be built at Baltimore, from his knowledge in Ship building, particularly in the application of the moulds, informing the timbers was deemed an acquisition & [undecipherable: now?] Stodder, has been rendered uneasy in his situation. The necessity of harmony among persons employed in the same yard must be apparent and I shall rely upon it as you regard the Public interest, that such harmony be cultivated on your part. — The fashion & manner, in which the frigates are to be constructed, were not prescribed without much inquiry & 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.] Sir W. D. March 31. 1795. Captain Truxtun who is appointed to command one of the frigates of the United States, has presented a copy of his book, entitled "Remarks, 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: Truxtun containing some remarks on an English book which Sealey 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 Mr. [undecipherable] 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 [undecipherable] have now applied the same for your consideration & I request that you will favor me with such observations as shall occur to you on the subject proposed. — P.S.