Baltimore 14 May 1795 [Sir [undecipherable]] [in the Frigate "Constitution"] Enclosed is a letter from Mr King, in answer to one I wrote him, on the Subject of reducing the Copper bolts to the Size directed, which may be of Service to the person employed in that business at Philadelphia— [undecipherable: probable reading He] appears well acquainted, with the work he has undertaken, and I am of Opinion, it will be found, a very useful Man, in the Affairs of the frigate here, particularly, as he has, Combined with a good understanding (though with little education) the experience of working many years, in Some of the Principal Manufactories of Copper & lead in England. I have had one of the bolts reduced, and drove in a log of wood, and find it answers the purpose to a Charm; I beg leave however, to recommend to Mr. Humphreys, and the other builders, to have a Socket made of Steel well hardened, to Cover the heads of the bolts, while driving— which will prevent their being batter'd— The Socket I am of Opinion, Should be made [undecipherable] to go just over the head of the bolt with ease— I have not made the experiment as yet, but have no doubt, but it will have the effect, Contemplated— We have the keel pieces and Keelsons in the yard, and Most of the live oak, adopted out to the Moulds and bevelling— we have also [undecipherable] of the Common bay Craft employed, in [undecipherable: probable reading Rafting] & bringing up, from Mr Sprigs place at [undecipherable] all the timber [undecipherable], that was Contracted for of white oak, the Boats, water Casks, Blocks, and in fact every thing authorised to be procured here, is Completed by the [undecipherable] M^r Samuel & Joseph [undecipherable: probable reading Sterrett], and [undecipherable] on as favourable terms, as the Government could have expected. The Navy Yard is now in good order, and I anticipate Some degree of Satisfaction, from its organisation, and the attention and [undecipherable] of both the [undecipherable]. In fact, if we had but a Sufficiency of live oak in the Yard— the frigate here Should under the present orders of Government, be ready to launch, by Next Christmas day— for we have at [undecipherable], the Choice of Artificers, [undecipherable] and Labourers— [undecipherable] fear, we Shall be Obliged to discharge the most of them Next Month, [undecipherable] we have a Supply of timber from Georgia. I have the Honor to be, Sir, Your very Obedient and very Humble Serv^t. Thomas Truxtun [[undecipherable] transmitted by [undecipherable: probable reading Edward Sterrett] [at] Baltimore [undecipherable]] [Hon^ble the Col. [undecipherable: probable reading Pickering]] [Sec^y of War]