[Page 146 ZXA06] M^r Fox informs me that M^r Herbert the Assistant Constructor has really had the charge of all that pertains to the Navy Yard: and Suppose it will be necessary to continue him in that employment — Navy Yard Phila^a January 1, 1796 Sir, I have considered Col. Claybornes letter and have to observe that the directions already sent on for the fore and aftersternwoods being of live oak perfectly concures with his Opinion and ought to be adhered to. The lower part of the after deadwood may be formed by straight pieces of white Oak so as to compleat the deadwood agreeable to the Mould. It is contemplated to put aknee (which may be of white oak) to scarph on the Futtock to the Mizen Step and to run in the Throats of the Transoms to the lower Deck and one Knee of the same wood to frame in the lower Deck over the lower deck beams, as far forwards as the Mizen and to run up on the Heights of the Transoms to the Siller post. The lower piece of Stem he has drawn is about the length of the one here, which I have considered sufficient, though I could have wished a better, and if his pieces will admit of a shoplasing, the Scarphlet as he most Joins of opinion the Stem will be sufficient in three pieces, and he ought to be directed to go on with it. his Keel being