[M^r James Hackett, Naval Constructor] [Circular —] W. O. May 10. 1795. I inclose for your information the letter of M^r Humphreys the Constructor at Philadelphia dated the 16^th instant & his table of the timbers of the frigates which he proposes to have cut & fixed in the manner he describes. — I repeat once for all that if any objections to his ideas on this particular subject or relation to the construction of any other parts of the frigates occur, I request & expect that you will timely communicate them. Unacquainted with the theory & the practice of Ship building I can give directions only upon the information of those who are versed in one or the other or in both. For this reason I desire a free communication of the opinions of all the Gentlemen concerned in building the frigates trusting that this will promote their improvement & perfection. [M^r Joshua Humphreys] W. O. May 20^th 1795 If M^r Humphreys has any remarks to make on the inclosed letter of M^r Stodder he will be pleased to communicate them. When letters arrive from other builders they will be handed to M^r Humphreys. The Secretary of War has desired all the builders freely to communicate their ideas; trusting that the result will lead to the improvement & perfection of the frigates. M^r Humphreys will return the inclosed & any other original letters which may from time to time be sent for his perusal & remarks. [M^r Col^m Pennock] 36 W. C. May 14^th 1795 The bearer is M^r Forsde Sice who for near a year past has been employed in the Navy Department in this city, assisting M^r Humphreys the Constructor in making the draughts & moulds for the frigates. He is handsomely spoken of by M^r Humphreys who thinks there are few men in this country equally qualified in this line.