by a long voyage, and that of
being able with ships of the proposed construction to enter harbors in
case of storm or other accident, which larger ships cannot.

2dly. The twenty large ships, and ten or a less number of the frigates
may be put on the stocks and built in America, and though the present
price of labor is dear, yet were the undertakers to be paid in
sterling bills, or in specie, the hulls or bodies of the ships may
perhaps be had nearly at the same price as before the war; but suppose
they cost more, yet if every other article be procured from Europe at
the first cost and common charges, the ships complete will not amount
to much more than such ships usually cost before the war in America,
probably not so much.

3dly. Suppose also that eight of the frigates be built in America, and
twelve purchased in Europe, to transport the materials from thence for
the rest. In the first place, let a calculation be made what all these
materials, allowing a large proportion, will amount to, and also for
the purchase of the twelve frigates, or ships for frigates, which are
to transport those materials over to America.

CALCULATION.

Livres.
160,000 aulms of sailcloth, 240,000

500,000 cwt of anchors, 125,000

3,200,000 cwt of cordage, 1,280,000

6,000,000 cwt of cannon, 960,000

10,000 fuzees, fit for marine service, 200,000

200 tons of powder, 400,000

N. B. As iron is scarce and dear in America,
especially in the east and northward states, I
suppose 300 tons of iron, 160,000

12 ships fit for sea, capable of being armed as
frigates of 24 to 36 guns, will unarmed cost
250,000 livres each, nearly 3,000,000

I suppose for shells, shot, cutlasses, spears,
hand-grenadoes, and a variety of small articles, too
many to be enumerated in such a general calculation,
the sum of 1,000,000
---------
Total amount, 7,365,000

Equal to one million six hundred and sevent