[Box 4 rod-1] [circular] Sir War Office January 25,^th 1796 The Masting of the Frigates now building, having been submitted to several Gentlemen of considerable Abilities and reputed skill in Naval Affairs, for their Opinions as to the best proportions for Masting the two Classes of Ships so as to answer all the purposes necessary for ships of War — but a diversity of Opinions having arisen on the lengths of particular Masts and Yards. I am induced [strikethrough: to] to propose, that the Captain and Constructor of each Frigate shall have liberty to Mast and Spar their own Ship according to the best of their judgements — You will therefore pay an immedeate attention to this subject, in which the Constructor will readily assist — and the result of your united opinions you will sign and transmit to this Office as soon as convenient, specifying very minutely the exact length and diameter of each Mast — Yard and Bowsprit — also the length and size of Mastheads and Yard arms — that they may be recorded in this Office I am with great regard Sir Your Ob.^t Servant Timothy Pickering Cap.^tn Silas Talbot —