[29] War Office June 11^th 1797. [A] Sir, I have the honor to communicate herewith the several Statements, and Estimates annexed, Vizt the present state of the Frigates United States, Constitution, and Constellation. An Estimate of the Money which will be necessary to complete the said Frigates — An estimate showing the further sums which will be wanting for the pay and provisioning their Officers & Crews for Twelve Months — An Estimate of the probable value of the articles on Hand, and a Table exhibiting the articles and where deposited. It may be proper to observe on the several Estimates, that altho' it is not possible to attain to certainty in such Calculations especially where the Vessels are built at so great a distance from each other without incurring considerable delay, it is nevertheless expected from the care that has been taken in forming it, that it will be found to approximate pretty near the real amounts unless it may be necessary to expend for their Completion. I may also be noticed that the estimate of Pay and Subsistence, which is founded on the Act of Congress of the 27 of May 1794 may require to be varied from in some particulars. Sir I have the Honor to be with great resp[ect] James Mc Henry Honorable Josiah Parker [21] War Office July 11^th 1797 [A] In compliance with your letter of the 11^th ultimo I have the honor to transmit the annexed Statements which exhibit as particulars a view of the most material objects of your enquiries as could be obtained without incurring a delay that Might have been detrimental to your intentions. The measures that have been taken to prepare the rigging, masts &c and to procure the necessary stores and the cannon made towards the Naval Equipment of the Frigates, it is probable that they may be got ready for use in about two Months after being launched. While on this subject permit me to observe that if Congress proposes advantageously an extension of these Measures, it thinks it expedient that early precautions should be taken, to secure to the United States a lasting source of live Oak for future use, it would be proper that authority should be given for the purpose, as well as to provide a site for a Navy Yard. The probability is, that an article so important to Maritime Nations as live Oak will be sought after with greater avidity, and the source whence it is obtainable with it may they will be found that may make its attainment hereafter more expensive if not impracticable. But Whether it is right that the United States should be the Manufacturer of such land is a Question which no doubt you have examined. I am With Great respect your old^t Serv^t James Mc Henry. Statement of the progress made in building a frigate [undecipherable] to carry [undecipherable: Forty four] Guns [undecipherable] The Hull is well planked inside and out, [undecipherable] the principal Decks are laid except [undecipherable] Parts, excepting a part of the Gun Deck, the upper [undecipherable] Beams are in [undecipherable] their places; about half of the [undecipherable] is [undecipherable] affixed a considerable part [undecipherable: Caulked]; the Beams [undecipherable] Planks for the [undecipherable] and old [undecipherable]. The [undecipherable] of the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] with the [undecipherable] are nearly [undecipherable] and all other parts of the Hull is in more forwardness that it is expected she may be [undecipherable: launched] by the beginning of [undecipherable] next [undecipherable: if the Winter does not prove severe]. The Rigging is all [undecipherable: nearly] [undecipherable] the spars for the [undecipherable: Cables] are [undecipherable: Spun]. The [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] on Hand, & the Blocks, [undecipherable: Deadeyes], [undecipherable: Water Casks], [undecipherable] Lanterns, and all the [undecipherable] as [undecipherable]. The other Materials are as [undecipherable] forwardness and the [undecipherable] is in general [undecipherable] rapidly towards Completion. — Statement of the progress made in Building frigates at Boston to carry forty four Guns The whole of the Frame is raised and is ready for planking, the [undecipherable: Knees] are prepared, and it is expected with [undecipherable] more [undecipherable] the [undecipherable]. The [undecipherable] are on their places and [undecipherable] off. The [undecipherable: Masts] are now on [undecipherable] and the Boats are [undecipherable: Caulking]. All the [undecipherable] for [undecipherable: Cover] and [undecipherable] Vessels are made and [undecipherable]. The [undecipherable] [undecipherable] all the Decks are prepared, as well as the [undecipherable: Beams] [undecipherable: Caulkings], [undecipherable] from [undecipherable: Ballast sufficiently] [undecipherable] and the Necessary Materials for Completing the [undecipherable] are [undecipherable] and [undecipherable: Received]. The [undecipherable] for the [undecipherable: Cables], [undecipherable: Rigging], [undecipherable] and [undecipherable: Masts] are in the Hands of the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] manufacturing [undecipherable] of the [undecipherable: Weather] Should prove favourable there is no doubt but this Frigate may be [undecipherable: launched] in [undecipherable: July] next. — Statement of the progress made in Building a frigate at Baltimore to carry Thirty Six Guns The whole of the Frame is raised and the [undecipherable] [undecipherable]. [undecipherable] [undecipherable] on and [undecipherable] off. The [undecipherable: Caulking] Chambers for Gun and [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] Decks are all on and [undecipherable] [undecipherable] off. The Beams are prepared and ready to be [undecipherable: put in] their respective places — The Bottom is [undecipherable: nearly planked] and the [undecipherable] are getting ready for the [undecipherable]. Other parts of the Hull are [undecipherable] as rapidly as the workmen can be employed to [undecipherable] and from present appearances they may be [undecipherable: launched] in [undecipherable: July] next — The [undecipherable], [undecipherable] and [undecipherable: Topmast] [undecipherable] with all their respective Stays, are fitted and ready to go over the Mast Heads The other rigging is also in great forwardness. — [undecipherable] The Boats are all [undecipherable] [undecipherable] mostly made together with [undecipherable] Blocks [undecipherable: Deadeyes], Hearts &c. &c. — The [undecipherable: Cannon] for the [undecipherable: Gunstock] are all in the Navy Yard [undecipherable: trimmed] and all ready for Mounting on the Carriages which are Made — Estimate of the further Sums necessary to Complete the Frigates United States, and Constitution of 44 Guns and [undecipherable] of 36 Guns — [United] States at Philad^a [undecipherable] military [undecipherable: Store] — 38.820 [undecipherable] [undecipherable] — 26.000 — 64.820 [undecipherable: Boston] — 39.175 — 45.045