Your favor of Dec. 15. is recieved, and that of Sep. 29. had come to hand in due time. being entirely unskilled myself in Nautical things, I referred your letter of Sep. 29. to an officer in that line, who returned me the observations on it which I now inclose to you: and I inclose them in order that by presenting to you the doubts entertained by professional men, you may be enabled to perfect your conception wherever it may be defective. Accept my salutations & assurances of respect.