SOME UNPUBLISHED FACTS ABOUT THEIR CONSTRUCTION. 149 



"The frigate United States, of 44 guns, was launched from Mr. Joshua 

 Humphreys' yard (Southwark), Philadelelphia, Wednesday, May 10, 1797, at fif- 

 teen minutes past one o'clock p.m." 



On May 23 the Secretary of War writes to General Henry Jackson, the naval 

 agent at Boston: — 



"It may be proper that you should be informed that I am desirous each of the 

 frigates shall be furnished with both suits of sails of this country manufacture." 



On June 16 Secretary McHenry communicated to Congress the following state- 

 ments in regard to the state of forwardness of the three frigates and of the fur- 

 ther sums necessary to complete them: — 



U. S. S. UNITED STATES. 



"The hull of this ship was launched on the loth of May last. The bottom is 

 completely coppered; and the carpenter's work is nearly finished and she will be 

 soon in a situation to receive her masts and stores. Several of the masts, yards and 

 caps are finished and the remainder are under way. The boats are in hand ; all the 

 rigging, blocks, dead-eyes and one suit of sails are prepared ; all the principal, and 

 most of the small stores are provided, and the captain reports that the ship may be 

 rigged and completed for sea in one month after the guns and lower masts are on 

 board." 



U. S. S. CONSTITUTION. 



"The bottom of this ship is squared off and the caulkers are at work. The va- 

 rious decks are Iain ; the breastworks, diagonal riders and counter timbers are all in 

 and secured, and the mast makers are employed on the masts and yards. All the 

 boats excepting the pinnace are built. The riggers are at work on the rigging which 

 will be soon ready, the water-casks are in hand, sails are preparing, and the con- 

 structor reports the ship may be launched about the 20th of August next. The 

 captain is of opinion she may be completely equipped in one month after." 



U. S. S. CONSTELLATION. 



"The latest report states that this ship is in great forwardness. The bottom is 

 caulked and finished, the lower deck is laid, and the other decks are in a forward 

 state. The head, quarter galleries and stern are partly done, and the bowsprit is 

 almost ready to be put on board. The materials for the equipment and rigging are 

 all procured, one suit of sails is made and all the gtms for the gun deck are in the 

 navy yard and mounted on their carriages. The constructor states that this ship 

 will be launched next month, and from the forward state of the masts, yards and 



