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[Page 3]
As a further security for the Topmast, I would have another Crowfoot (on each side) with as many Claws as there are shrowds to the Topmast, and which might be seized on the Futtock Staff, and taken off at Pleasure; The main Tackles being lashed to the Thimbles of the Crowfeet, and again hooked to the main, (or fore) Chains, on the opposite side of the Ship, would hold the Topmast, tho both the abovementioned Strops [Straps?] were broken,and, being properly set up in bad weather, would releive them exceedingly, and be a Perfect Security to the Masts.
I do not think it necessary to say anything more to explain either the construction, or the Advantages resulting from the execution of this Project, because I beleive it will be very Intelligible to any Seaman who might wish to make use of it, and if any Part of it should still remain obscured to any Gentleman at,the Navy Board, I shall very readily wait upon them for the Purpose of explaining it.
At my return from Gibralter, last year, in the Centaur, her main and fore Topmast, with the common Rigging stood exceedingly ill. I applied these Crowfeet &c over all, and notwithstanding that it could not be so well executed then, as it is now, still the advantages resulting from its were manifest to every one on board.
In working from St. Hellens [Helens] to the Mother Bank, I had an opportunity of giving it a Smart Tryal, and so far from Breaking, that I was unable even to bend
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