[Capt. Tho. Truxtun Baltimore] Sir War Office May 20. 1797 As it is very probable that Congress will require early in this Session general information, relative to the State of the Frigates under construction, and the State of the Materials and stores for their equipment — I have therefore to request that you will in conjunction with the Constructor, make a general report to this Office as soon as possible, of the State of the Hull of the Frigate Constitution, together with all necessary Materials and Stores provided for her equipment, and also the probable time she may be launched and completely equipped for sea. I have requested M Humphreys to procure some good Carpenters and Caulkers to send to Baltimore, which I have no doubt he will do. [Hble. Josiah Parker Chairman of the Committee on the Naval equipments] Sir W.O. February 2. 1797— In reply to your Letter of the 30. of January last, I have the honor to inform you: 1.^st An estimate of the probable cost of a Site for a Navy yard and the Buildings necessary thereto. 2. An estimate of the Sum that will be required to purchase Live Oak and red Cedar sufficient for a Frigate and a Ship of two Tier of guns. and 3. An estimate of a Sum supposed competent to purchase a quantity of Land sufficient to yield Live Oak by preceeding growth equal to the current demands of the United States. N° 1 N° 1. An Estimate of the probable Cost of a Site for a Navy Yard, and the Buildings necessary thereto — Cost of 100 Acres of Land for a Navy yard within 15 or 20 of a large City — 153 dollars [p]r acre 3500.— Wharfing say 300 feet front 14210.— Mould loft with [undecipherable] under [undecipherable] 4.000.— Blacksmiths Shop 1.000.— Stores, Sail and Rigging loft 6.000.— Shear for Timber 3.000.— Mast and yard Shed .500.— Rope Makers Shed 3.000.— Stores for Hemp & Cordage 2.000.— Dollars 37.210 N° 2 N° 2. An Estimate of the Sum necessary that may be required to purchase Live Oak and Red Cedar sufficient for a Frigate and a Ship of two Tier of Guns. An Annual Supply of Live Oak and Red Cedar sufficient for a Frigate and Ship of two Tier of Guns will average 25,000 Cubical feet, each at [undecipherable] delivered. 25.000.— N° 3 3. An Estimate of a Sum supposed competent to purchase a quantity of Land sufficient to yield Live Oak by successive Growth equal to the current demands of the United States — On a Island, say on the River St. Mary containing about [undecipherable] Acres at 4 dollars [p]r acre 54.000.—