[Copy] [Docket: Copy of a letter from Joshua Humphreys to M^r Hackett on the Beams, Transoms and [undecipherable] June 5. 1795] Navy Yard — June 5. 1795 — Sir — Since writing the foregoing I received Col. Hackets letter, the foregoing part of which is answered in that of Capt Severs, the Main Transom is a principal piece and should be without defect; Otherwise it should not be put,^or if it was a good piece and something smaller than directed it might be despenced with. I am a great Friend to a large Transom, there should be no danger of weakening it from cutting large Scores for the Heels of the Counter 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 [strikethrough: not] made one Inch larger than at first intended. If colonel Hacket should add one inch to the Beams sideways as stated by him — I suppose they would do say 15 by 17. and if he is to put in oak I would advise them 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 a Vessel the Size of the 44 Gun Frigates — Col. Hackets 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 a 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 Cheesemanss letter of 20 [undecipherable] he mentions the propriety [having] Signed Joshua Humphreys —