Navy Yard, May 12. 1796 Dear Sir The principle of the plan of an improvement for a Windlass, presented by Americanus, is not new, the palls I believe are, but I am of opinion the Springs will not be found so usefull as he expects, because, of the effect the Sea water has on Iron or Steel The Patent windlass, are fixed on the same principle with a ragg wheel on the end of the gudgon with a long purchase in handspike (the term they give the lever) this is made use of as he has described, which the Sailors call pumping in the Cable [illustration of a windlass mechanism with lever] This plan is more simple & much less liable to be put out of order — I am with Esteem & Respect. your Friend — Joshua Humphreys [Joshua Humphreys May 12. 1796 Report on the Plan of a Pull Lever read Sep^t 1795 also another plan proposed by J. H]