Autograph Letter Signed

In what manner the frigate tonnage is calculated

Humphreys provides formula for calculating the tonnage that he has estimated for the frigate building.

1793

12

16

Samuel Hodgdon

Joshua Humphreys

Philadelphia

calculations

frigate construction

tonnage

estimate

beam

stern

gun deck

amidships

waste

1793121640001

1

1

Southwark, Decem 16 1793

Dear Sir

I think it necessary to inform you in what manner the Tonage is calculated that I have made
the Estimate from.

In the first place to find the length of draught rabbit forward you take 3/5 of the Beam as
usual; from that point to the after part of the Stern post allowing its width measurement not to
exceed 1/12 of the Beam. That length being determined, you then multiply it by the length of the
Beam, & that product by the height of the gundeck Beams amidships on the top of the Beams, added
to half of her waste amidships which <s>last</s> product divide by 95 which gives the number of
Tons Required.

I am Respectfully yours Sir
Joshua Humphreys