Request for Standardization of Dimensions for Masts, Yards, & Other Ships' Components
Item
Type
Autograph Letter Signed
Title
Request for Standardization of Dimensions for Masts, Yards, & Other Ships' Components
Description
Discusses the masting of the frigates currently under construction, recommends that the building superintendent of each ship be allowed to judge for themselves the construction of the masts and yards. Asks Humphreys' opinion on these matters, and asks for a standardized set of measurements for the masts, yards, bowsprits, mast heads, and yardarms.
year created
1796
month created
01
day created
25
author
sent from location
War Office
recipient
sent to location
Philadelphia
in collection
in image
notable person/group
Joshua Humphreys
Timothy Pickering
naval constructor
Captain
Constructor
Captain Barry
notable location
Philadelphia
War Office
Naval Office
notable item/thing
circular
frigates
abilities
skill
masting
classes of ships
ships of war
masts
yards
spar
height
diameter
bowsprit
mast heads
yard arms
document number
1796012500001
page start
1
number of pages
2
transcription
Timy Pickering
Jany 25--1796
[undeciperable] [undecipherable]
War department
Mr Joshua Humphreys
Naval Constructor
Philadelphia
(Circular)
War Office January 25, 1796
for
The Masting 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 Clafses [Classes] of Ships so as to answer all the purposes necessary for Ships of War but a diversity of opinions having arisen on the length of particular Masts and Yards I am induced [undecipherable] to propose that the Captain and Constructor of each Frigate shall have liberty to Mast and Spar their own Ships according to the best of their judgements--
You will therefore pay an immediate attention to this subject in which Capt.n Barry will Afsist [Assist] and the result of your united opinions you will sign, that it may be transmitted 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 Mast heads and Yard arms, that they may be recorded in This Office
I am with great regard
Sir y.r ob.t Serv.t [Sir your obedient Servant]
Timothy Pickering
Mr Joshua Humphreys
Naval Constructor
Jany 25--1796
[undeciperable] [undecipherable]
War department
Mr Joshua Humphreys
Naval Constructor
Philadelphia
(Circular)
War Office January 25, 1796
for
The Masting 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 Clafses [Classes] of Ships so as to answer all the purposes necessary for Ships of War but a diversity of opinions having arisen on the length of particular Masts and Yards I am induced [undecipherable] to propose that the Captain and Constructor of each Frigate shall have liberty to Mast and Spar their own Ships according to the best of their judgements--
You will therefore pay an immediate attention to this subject in which Capt.n Barry will Afsist [Assist] and the result of your united opinions you will sign, that it may be transmitted 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 Mast heads and Yard arms, that they may be recorded in This Office
I am with great regard
Sir y.r ob.t Serv.t [Sir your obedient Servant]
Timothy Pickering
Mr Joshua Humphreys
Naval Constructor
Item sets
Document instances
| In image | In source | Location in source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| [view document] (2 pages) | NBS03 (2 pages) | Collection: Joshua Humphreys Correspondence | Vol. 2 Page 7 |
Document names
| Type | Name | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Timothy Pickering | War Office | [n/a] |
| Recipient | Joshua Humphreys | Philadelphia | [n/a] |