Recommendations for Construction of Ships to Form a Navy

Humphreys believes that the United States should have a Navy. He believes that the US Navy would need to consider carefully what sort of ships would comprise it, given the nature of the coast and harbors. Frigates would be the first object, at least 150 feet keel, built of red cedar and live oak, with decks of Carolina pine. The frigates should carry 32 or 24 pound guns, because 12 or 18 pound guns would not answer; US ships need to be capable of combat if there is a war with European powers, especially Great Britain. Although some people might ask whether two small ships are better and more cost-effective than one large one, Humphreys is of the opinion that a large one is best.