(QQ.) War Department, April 21st, 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, intituled " 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. It has been decided by the President of the United States, that the said frigates be built in the following ports—viz. Boston, - - one 44 gun ship. New-York, - - one do. do. Philadelphia, - - one do. do. Baltimore, - - one 36 do. Portsmouth, (Virginia,) one 44 do. Charleston, (South-Carolina,) one 36 do. 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. The live oak and red cedar, must principally be obtained from the Islands on the coast of Georgia; some part, however, may be obtained in North-Carolina, although it is alledged that the farther south the live oak, the better. Different opinions are entertained as to the most certain, and the most economical mode of obtaining the live oak and cedar from Georgia, and transporting the same to the ports where the ships are to be built. Some persons recommend, that one or more persons, in whom due confidence may be placed, should repair to the Islands of Georgia, and contract with the proprietors of the timber as it stands, for such parts as will serve the moulds; and that a sufficient number of axe-men, sawyers, &c. be collected from the southwards, in order to cut the same, and transport it to the places where it is to be used. These persons affirm, that any quantity of made in Georgia, or other parts to the southward, will be executed by negroes, whose indolence and carelessness will inevitably produce disappointments and loss. The moulds for the timber of both sized ships, are preparing, and nearly finished. These must be transported to the places where the timber is to be cut, otherwise mistakes would arise, and disappointments of course ensue. Besides the mode before mentioned, there are persons who recommend a contract with four portions, if such could be found, which is said to be the case, to procure the timber in Georgia, and transport it to the respective ports or places. You will please to judge which of these two modes will be preferable. I have understood that in 1776 or 1777, the frames of two 74 gun ships were cut, under the authority of the United States, part at Sudbury, and part at a place called Kilkenny, near the mouth of Savannah river, and that as the said timber was very large, part of it yet remains: it may therefore be proper to look it up, and if it should answer for the frames of the proposed frigates, as probable, it would be excellent from its long seasoning. I have the honor to submit to you a letter from Mr. Wevet, of Georgia, upon this subject, the purport of which is confirmed by Brigadier General Gunn, of the same State. The manner in which their vessels ought to be built, has been under consideration, viz. whether the hull and other parts (excepting of the masts, ture,) should be built by a contract, or by a capable agent or agents appointed for the purpose of procuring the labour and materials. Upon enquiry, however, it appears improbable that a contract could be formed with the ship-