M^r Joshua Humphryes [Dear Sir,] Baltimore 8 October 1795 I have written Col Pickering this [undecipherable] on account [undecipherable] [undecipherable] from [undecipherable] of the little [undecipherable] this [undecipherable], I intend [undecipherable] Edw; I am going down the Chesapeake [undecipherable] in Search of Cedar for our [undecipherable] timbers, which I am Sure of getting, either [on?] the [undecipherable] of the [undecipherable] or on [Hog Islands?]; if I succeed at the [former?] place, which I have no doubt of, I Shall not want the [latter?]; but from the best information I have [undecipherable], it will be impossible to find Cedar, that will make the thirty Six whole [undecipherable] the timbers ordered; I have [three?] [undecipherable] fine proposed to the Secretary of war, to Substitute 36 live oak timbers, that arrived here, in the first vessel from Georgia, and are [undecipherable] out to the [moulds?], which in fact was done. [Before?] any orders for Cedar reached this place: although I would prefer the Cedar timbers if they could be procured; I am of Opinion that the difference between 36 live oak [undecipherable] timbers [and?] Cedar, can make but little difference in a Ship of between eleven and twelve hundred tons and if You agree in Opinion with me, which I [undecipherable] not, you will be pleased to get an order from Col Pickering, and Send it to me here. So that we are [undecipherable] in using them: as also an order that we may procure the [undecipherable] of [white?] oak [undecipherable], which are [undecipherable], and very fine at west [River?] indeed. They are esteemed here equal to live oak, and I am of [undecipherable] from What I have Seen, that they are [fully?] equal to live [oak?], [though?] the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] have from. The [Butts?] of those [Trees?], are frequently used in Merchant vessels, built in Virginia & which are [undecipherable] esteemed durable by any Means, No More than the [bodies?] and [limbs?] of those [Trees?]. You will please to deliver the enclosed, to Col Pickering [yourself?], So that no time is [lost?], in my [Receiving?] an answer, as this is a very [favourable?] time, to procure the [undecipherable] I write you in great [hast?] but [remain?] Your [obt?] Thomas Truxton [Donated by Mr. T. Truxton Hare from original 1935] [Copied, Proof Read, Ready to be Archived.] [Truxton to Humphreys 8 Oct 1795]