I am duly sensible of the mark of consideration you ha[ve] been so kind as to shew me in consulting me on the subject of your new system in ship and boat building; but neither my occupations nor habits permit me any longer to indulge myself in speculations of that kind: and at no time of my life should I have been a competent judge of this. born and educated among the mountains, I am quite a stranger to Nautical subjects. as far as I see, your method is plausible, and especially promises strength of construction. I return you the drawing, which possibly may be useful to you, and pray you to accept the assurance of my respect.

Th: Jefferson