[The Hble Sec^t of Wars —] [wax seal] Report on the State of the Frigate United States now building in the Port of Philadelphia.— This Ship is all planked inside and out all the principal decks are laid, and caulked except a part of the Gun deck, also about one third of the bottom is caulked; the upper decks beams are ins and apart of them kneed, and all other parts of the Ships in great Forwardness, so that I shall have no difficulty in Launching in the begining of next April, except it is a very hard winter.— In answer to the Committee of the House Representatives, I have to observe, That a light Frigate or a large Brig. would be usefull to cruise in the Mediteranean, for many of the cruisers of that Sea are small and of easy draft of Water, and may take advantage of Shoal water, for altho there is a peace with Algiers yet I am of Opinion a Shew of force will be necessary to maintain it on moderate terms. If the United States expect to protect their commerce or support their Flag, they must apply the means, the only cogent ones are a Respectable Navy, it will be a strong negotiator, & if negotiations Should fail, it will be our great Support, but as we can not immediately have a Sufficient Navy will it not be wise to, prepare for one by, providing Materials and a [underline: proper Navy Yard] where all Ships Should be built for the United States, Joshua Humphreys Navy Con^ts Dec^r 23. 1796 — [Docket, verso:] Philad.^a — 23. 1796 — [strikethrough: undecipherable] Joshua Humphreys — Statement of the progress made in Building his Frigate. — Observations on the necessity of small frigates to cruise in the mediterr[anean]