Joshua Humphreys, 1795 Constructing the First United States Navy Frigates Autograph Letter Signed

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Early American History Auctions - December 27...

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Dec 27, 2025

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• Lot Description
  Autographs
  Joshua Humphreys - The "Father of the United States Navy" 1795 Regarding Designing & Constructing the First Frigates of the United States Navy Important Autograph Letter Signed
  JOSHUA HUMPHREYS (1751-1838). American Ship Builder and Naval Architect in Philadelphia who was the Constructor of the Original Six Frigates of the United States Navy, also known as: "The Father of the American Navy". When Congress passed the Naval Act of 1794, which provided for the construction of six Frigates, it called on Humphreys to design them. He was appointed Naval Constructor on June 28, 1794 and began work on the Ships. His six Frigates were: USS United States (1797), USS Constellation (1797), USS Constitution (1797), USS Chesapeake (1799), USS Congress (1799) and USS President (1800).
  May 14, 1795-Dated Federal Period, Autograph Letter Signed, "Joshua Humphreys", (Philadelphia), 1-1/4 folio pages on both sides of a single sheet, measuring 7-7/8" x 12-1/4", to Secretary of War Timothy Pickering, with significant content describing the design and construction thus far of the first six frigates of the U.S. Navy, emphasizing the assistance of Mr. Fox in the process. Josiah Fox (1763-1847) was a British Naval Architect who settled in the United States inn 1793 and worked closely and somewhat contentiously with Joshua Humphrey in the design and construction of the first warships of the U.S. Navy.
  At this time, as the United States was establishing its Navy, Joshua Humphreys was commissioned to design a new class of frigates. The result was the construction of Six frigates, which included the: USS Constitution, USS United States, USS President, USS Constellation, USS Congress, and USS Chesapeake.
  Joshua Humphreys' work laid the foundation for the development of the U.S. Navy's shipbuilding capabilities, and his frigate designs were critical in establishing American naval dominance in the late 18th and early 19th century.
  This letter in boldly written in rich deep brown ink and is easily readable. It has two horizontal fold complete separations, one with old repair from the back, the other in need of repair for fold separations at the other two horizontal folds. The text is fine and clear, with a bold signature with a large paraph. Docketing on the back by Pickering: "May 14, 1795. Joshua Humphreys. Rec'd same day - relative to Mr. Fox - and the planning of the frigates." The full text of this letter is available to read in our ONLINE AUCTION VERSION at: www.EarlyAmerican.com
  Provenance: Collection of Ambassador J. William Middendorf II.
  We ship what we sell.
  This Autograph Letter Signed, "Joshua Humphreys" reads, in full:
  "Sir ---- Permit me to observe on seeing your instructions to Mr. Fox that soon after the commencement of building the Frigates, I was directed to prepare a draft & model for them. The model was presented to the late Secretary of War and is now in your office. In order to make them the most perfect ships, the best Shipwrights of this port called in to give their opinion on the model, which they did candidly. I was then directed to make such alterations in the formation of the Frigate's body, as was conformable to the general idea. Mr. Fox was appointed under me to carry the same into effect; accordingly I directed him to prepare a draft agreeably to the directions I had received, but I conceived he did not strictly conform to those directions in the drawing of the draft; which induced me immediately to set about drawing myself and I produced those the Frigates are to be built by, without Mr. Fox's advice or assistance, but conformable to the directions I had received.
  While I was drawing the draft of the 36 gun Frigates, making out the dimensions, size of scantling & the mode of putting the timber together and fastening it, Mr. Fox was laying down the 44 Gun ships in the mould loft.
  When that was finished, Mr. Fox & Mr. Doughy went to copying the drafts to be sent to the different builders for the 44 Gun Ships, and while they were about that business I was laying down the 36 Gun ships in the mould loft. Those are facts I conceive had not come to your knowledge and I hope you will not consider it improper in me to state them to you at this time; and altho it is so, yet I do not wish to take from Mr. Fox or lessen his merit, or even give the most distant hint of his want of capability in the business, on the other hand I think there are few men in this country equally qualified, he is well informed & his judgment good.
  I am with much esteem & respect, -- (Signed) Joshua Humprheys"
  
  Joshua Humphreys (1751-1838) was an American shipbuilder and naval architect who played a crucial role in the early development of the United States Navy. He is best known for his work on designing the first United States frigates, a series of warships that played a significant role in the early years of the U.S. Navy.
  Joshua Humphreys was born on June 17, 1751, in Haverford Township, Pennsylvania.
  He came from a Quaker family with a tradition of shipbuilding. Humphreys gained a reputation as a skilled naval architect and shipbuilder during the late 18th century. He was involved in the construction of merchant vessels before turning his attention to naval architecture.
  In the 1790s, as the United States was establishing its Navy, Joshua Humphreys was commissioned to design a new class of frigates. The result was the construction of Six frigates, which included the USS Constitution, USS United States, USS President, USS Constellation, USS Congress, and USS Chesapeake.
  Humphreys' frigates were notable for their larger size, heavy guns, and innovative design.
  His ships were characterized by a longer hull, greater firepower, and improved sailing qualities, making them more formidable in naval engagements. The construction of these frigates marked a significant step in the expansion and modernization of the U.S. Navy.
  These frigates played a crucial role in protecting American merchant shipping and asserting U.S. naval power during the Quasi-War with France and the Barbary Wars. Joshua Humphreys continued to be involved in naval affairs after the construction of the frigates. He served as a naval constructor and later as a naval commissioner.
  Humphreys' design innovations and contributions to the early U.S. Navy had a lasting impact.
  The USS Constitution, one of his frigates, is famously known as "Old Ironsides" for its remarkable durability and success in naval battles.
  Joshua Humphreys' work laid the foundation for the development of the U.S. Navy's shipbuilding capabilities, and his frigate designs were critical in establishing American naval dominance in the late 18th and early 19th century. He passed away on January 12, 1838.
  
  
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