until 1798--to prepare models for the frame of the frigates to be built.
On June 28th, Humphreys was appointed "Constructor or Master-Builder of
a 44-gun ship to be built at the port of Philadelphia at the rate of
$2000 per annum--the compensation commencing on the 1st of May last, in
consideration of your incessant application to the public interest in
adjusting the principles of the ships, drawing drafts and making moulds,
etc."

On August 7th, General Knox notified Captain Barry: "You are to consider
yourself as the Superintendent of the frigate to be built at the port of
Philadelphia and which is to mount 44 guns." This frigate was named the
"United States." It was built on the Delaware River at the foot of [now]
Washington Avenue near the old Swedes Church. It was constructed mainly
of Georgia live oak, "the most durable wood in the world," selected by
Captain Barry who, in October, 1794, by direction of Tench Coxe,
Commissioner of the Revenues, proceeded to that State for that purpose,
sailing on the brig "Schuylkill" which carried oxen and horses which
were "of the highest importance to the expediting of the timber for the
several frigates," to which Captain Barry was to give all possible
exertions "to the cutting and transportation of the timber for his own
and every other frigate."

On October 14th the "Schuylkill" arrived at Gashayes Bluff, on the
island of St. Simon, where he found Mr. John T. Morgan, superintendent
of cutting the timber, but not "a stick of wood cut." Barry sent him
"into the country to try and get hands." He got six. Barry succeeded in
getting ten more. So that on the 20th Morgan set the sixteen at work. On
the 22d eighty-one woodcutters arrived from New London. They were set to
work. Barry after "doing all in his power at St. Simon's" went to
Savannah to charter a vessel--returned to St. Simon's and thence to
Philadelphia, wherefrom, he, on November 10th, reported to Commissioner
Coxe.

On December 12th he presented his bill of expenses for "Voyage to
Georgia on Public Account." He had been given $200. His expenses
amounted to $124.24. So he returned $75.76.

His salary as Captain of the Navy was $75 a month.

Captains Barry, Dale and Truxtun on December 18, 1794, wrote the
Secretary of War that the frigates could be built and equipped next
year, adding, "It would be highly gratifying to us who have thrown aside
our former occupations and the prospects that were fair for increasing
o