Department of State, July 8. 1796. D Sir, In answer to your enquiries relative to the dimensions of the frigate [strikethrough: for the Mediterranean Service], I have to inform you, that she is to carry 36 guns, of which 24 are to be nine pounders, and the other twelve fivepounders. On these ground I desired Mr. Humphreys to calculate the proper dimensions of the hulk, and to make a draught of the same. The draught [strikethrough: which] I presume M^r Fox has completed, in which the dimensions must be accurately stated. Independently of which however, M^r Humphreys made the inclosed statement: but if it varies from the draught (for it was written you will see on the 29^th of June, when the draught was only begun) the latter must be the guide. Her masts, spars, Sails and cordage may be calculated after M^r Fox's return, as well as the anchors and all her other equipments. The guns, powder & shot you will perceive by the inclosed letter & estimate of M^r Hodgdon are on hand. The guns, however, ought to be critically examined and proved: they ought also, I think, to be uniform; and if those we have are not so, it may be best to cast a new set at Cecil furnace, and to have them turned, to take off the most considerable roughness at least while they are boring. I am respectfully yours, Timothy Pickering. The Secretary of War. [Docket: Secy of State 8 July 1796 T. Pickering]