Navy Yard May 12. 1796 Dear Sir The principle of the plan of an improvement for a Windless, presented by Americanus, is not new, the palls [text continues beyond margin] I believe are, but I am of opinion the Springs will not be [text continues beyond margin] found [strikethrough: do] usefull as he expects, because, of the effect the Sea [text continues beyond margin] water has on Iron or Steel The Patent windess are fixed on the same principl[e] [text continues beyond margin] with a rag wheel on the end of the gudgeon with a long purcha[s-] [text continues beyond margin] [underline: ing handspike] (the term they give the lever) this is made use of as he has desirribed, which the Sailors call pumping the Cable in^a [illustration of a windlass mechanism, labeled: Ball; Cast Iron Chuck; Rag Wheel; Windless End; o o o; Lever] This plan is more simple & much less liable to be put out of order — I am with Esteem & Respect. your Friend — Joshua Humphreys