Naval yars Baltimore May 17 1795 Sir I received your letter date the 13 Inst — with [undecipherable] Copies of letters from M^r Humphrys dated the 31 Decem^r 1794 & the 7 Feb^y 1795 — After strictly considering M^r Humphrys Ideas, I conceive them to be necessary in every respect. — To reduce the timbers in this Yard must be attended with additional expence, the Major part being already worked up. With deference I think the timbers large enough, tho some of them will not side as large as directed from one to two and an half inches, but being of Live Oak I think them sufficient. I always imagined that every Plan was fixed on, I therefore was not for recommending. Notwithstanding I conceive the necessity of bolting the keel of Stem and Sternpost athwartship. I have made a model of the scarphs of the keel and Stem with all the fastening that I conceive necessary, in this model are ready fixed the thwartship bolts, alternate every three fut upper and lower edges. — The method of building War Ships I have made my principle Study — hitherto I [undecipherable] this I am glad to receive information of the Ideas of others with deference I think if models were deposited at the War office, improvements might be obtained and instructions easier given. I think my model for a scarp might be improved on when compared with others. — All the lower or first futtocks that I have drafted out the heels are prepared to meet on the diamond, these always conceived absolutely necessary as it is one of the most principal ways of strengthening after — I have fixed my foundation for [strikethrough: the] launching ways & [undecipherable] in no [undecipherable] respect to [undecipherable] my [undecipherable] best experience a large 3/4 of a inch descent to every foot, experience has taught me with what descent a Ship may be launched with Safety. I agree with M^r Humphrys Ideas requiring the descent of the different Builders kels, and think it essentially necessary. The timber at this Yard will entirely be worked up in ten or fifteen days. I have at this time a number of very good Workmen, I shall be very sorry to be obliged to discharge them for want of timber as it would be very difficult to collect them again — I with deference think it very necessary that a number of Live Oak timbers should be got from Georgia sided only, that might mould for futtocks or other timbers, as there are at this yard several that will not answer — some being hollow, and some too small. I make my beams of one solid piece. [Copy of a letter from Jas. Stoddart to the Hon. Secy. at War] I am Sir with respect Your most hum^b. Servant Signed J David Stoddart