688 Extract from Stalkartfs Naval Architecture. 



The manner you propose to arm this frigate will 

 render her the most formidable, of forty guns, that has 

 yet appeared at sea. 



To conclude, you have struck out something new, 

 both for the constructing and arming of a frigate, which 

 in both promises to be a great improvement upon this 

 useful class of vessels. And upon this principle, with- 

 out taking in other considerations, your proposals merit 

 all encouragement. 



I am, with much esteem, dear sir, etc. 



Rd. Kempenfelt. 



Charles Street, Westminster, April 21, 17 So. 

 B. Thompson, Esq. 



Copy of a Letter from Sir Charles Douglas, Baro- 

 net, Captain in the Royal Navy, and Commander of 

 his Majesty's Ship Duke, of ninety-eight guns. 



Charles Street, Westminster, April 23, 1780. 



Sir, — I most sincerely acknowledge myself beyond 

 measure obliged to you for having regaled me with 

 the examination of your plan of the frigate of war you 

 propose building ; and, having maturely considered the 

 same, I scruple not to give it as my humble opinion 

 that her intended water-lines are better formed for divid- 

 ing and leaving the fluid than any I have ever yet seen 

 laid down on paper. As also that her general form is 

 such as will insure a requisite degree of stiffness under 

 sail, with far less ballast than ships as they usually are 

 shaped of necessity require, which striking circum- 

 stance cannot but be productive of great additional 

 velocity by keeping such part of her body above the 

 water as is the least proper for separating and leaving 

 it, and which must otherwise be immersed; likewise 



