1To Thomas Jefferson from John Barry, 14 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I am informed it is in contemplation to have a few Ships of War built. Permit me Sir to give you my opinion what kind would be the most proper for this Country at present and for Years to come. I would have them almost in every respect like Frigates with this difference only that their should be a deck fore and aft insted of gang ways with wide gratings and the middle of a few of the Beams to...