a good price, and something smaller than directed it might be dispensed with — I am a great friend to a large transom — there should be no danger of weakening it, from cutting large doves 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 made one Inch larger than at first intended If Col. Rachet 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 Beams 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 working agreeably to the directions are in good proportion for their particular stations, and for at first the size of the 44 gun Frigates — Col. Rochette's Observations are very just with respect to defective timber, many timbers may be lost if it should not be permitted to [undecipherable] then an obstinate [undecipherable] ought in a great degree rest with the Constructors and superintendants as it is almost impossible to draw the[undecipherable] however they should be cautioned against putting in any bad timber. Signed Joshua Humphreys To the Hon^ble Sec^y of War. [Circular to the Constructors of the 44 gun Frigates on page 142] Sir War Office Nov 16^th 1795 Inclosed is a statement of the B. [undecipherable: probable reading Futtocks] that lengthen and shorten to give shape to the [undecipherable] and to provide for the [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] by which [undecipherable] well be enabled to appropriate the timbers to advantage prevent the frame from being cut after it is all drawn [undecipherable]