but not comprehending all the equipments. N^o 3. Is an estimate made recently in this city [For N^o 3 See p. 15] and may be considered as tolerably accurate of those articles which it comprehends, but there has not been sufficient time to obtain perfect information— [Mr. John Hackett / Salisbury / Massachusetts] War Department. April 1. 1794 Sir You have most probably heard of the determination of the general government to build a number of large sized frigates. In reviewing the characters within the United States most competent to assist with their advice on this occasion, you who constructed and built the Alliance frigate whose good qualities during the late war was much admired have not been forgotten. If therefore you could repair immediately to this city for the purpose of affording an opportunity of consulting you upon the best properties to be adopted as a general plan for the vessels now to be built. I shall consider myself as much obliged to you. Besides which you shall have your expences paid and a reasonable allowance for your trouble [Joshua Humphreys / Philadelphia] War Department April 10. 1794 Sir Be so good as to add to your other calculations how many men it would require in two months to cut the frame of one of these vessels in Georgia— [The Secretary of the Treasury] War Department April 21. 1794 Sir I have the honor to transmit you an estimate of the quantity and quality of Timber, Plank, Scantling and Copper &c. which will be required for each of the four largest frigates contemplated by the Act entitled "An Act to provide a naval armament" nearly the same quantity will also be wanted for each of the thirty six gun ships mentioned in the said Act. [* See page 21] It has been decided by the President of the United States that the said frigates be built in the following ports, to wit: Boston     one 44 gun Ship New York    d^o Philadelphia   d^o Baltimore    one of 36 guns Portsmouth Virginia one of 44 d^o Charleston S^o. Carolina one of 36 d^o It appears to be of indispensible necessity that immediate arrangements should be made to obtain the articles contained in the estimate and to have them transported to the ports before mentioned— excepting such articles of the timber as may be obtained at, or in the neighbourhood of, the said places.