[Copy of a letter from Joshua Humphreys to M^r Hackett on the Beams Transoms and [undecipherable] June 5. 1795] [Copy] Navy Yard - June 5. 1795 - Sir Since writing the foregoing Received Col Hacketts letter, the foregoing part of which is answered in that of Cap^t Severs. The Main Transom, a principal piece and should be without defect. it should not be put, if it was a good piece and something smaller than directed, it might be best dispensed with. I am great Friend to large Transom, there should be no danger of weakening it from cutting large holes for the Heels of the [undecipherable] Timbers in order to give good Hold- and Security— The Objections that were stated to the Strength of pine Beams was one cause why they were not made one Inch larger than at first intended— If Colonel Hackett should add one inch to the Beams sideways as stated by him— Suppose they would do very 13 by 17. and if he is to put in oaks I would advise [undecipherable] the way he mentions, in order to Ascertain which is the best mode— I am well satisfied the Timber I have now worked agreeably to the directions are in a good proportion for their particular Stations, and for No 1 the Size of the 44 Gun Frigates— Col Hacketts observations are very just, with respect to defective Timber many timbers may be lost if it should not be admitted to for— those are matters I suppose ought in great degree rest with the Constructors and Superintendants, as it is almost impossible to draw the line, however they should be cautioned against putting any bad timber— M^r Cheesemans letter of 20 of May, he mentions the propriety of having — Signed Joshua Humphreys —