FRIGATES Rated Mounting Commanders _Constitution_ 44 56 Capt. Hull _United States_ 44 56 Capt. Decatur _President_ 44 56 Com. Rodgers _Chesapeake_ 36 44 Capt. Evans _New York_ 36 44 _Constellation_ 36 44 Capt. Stewart _Congress_ 36 44 Capt. Smith _Boston_ 32 _Essex_ 32 Capt. Porter _Adams_ 32 CORVETTES _John Adams_ 26 Capt. Ludlow SLOOPS OF WAR _Wasp_ 18 18 Capt. Jones _Hornet_ 18 18 Capt. Lawrence BRIGS _Siren_ 16 Capt. Carroll _Argus_ 16 Capt. Crane _Oneida_ 16 Capt. Woolsey SCHOONERS _Vixen_ 14 Lieut. Gadsden _Nautilus_ 14 Lieut. Sinclair _Enterprise_ 14 Capt. Blakely _Viper_ 10 Capt. Bainbridge BOMB-KETCHES _Vengeance_ _Ætna_ _Spitfire_ _Vesuvius_ As we have stated before, the _Boston_, that was burned afterwards at Washington, never put to sea, and the _New York_ was a worthless hulk. The _Constitution_, the _United States_, and the _Constellation_ were built in the year 1797, the _Constitution_ at Boston, the _United States_ at Philadelphia, and the _Constellation_ at Baltimore. They had been built in the most complete manner, and it might be of interest to give some figures in connection with the construction of these vessels, thus forming an idea of how they compare with the tremendous and expensive fighting-machines of today. The first cost of the _Constitution_ was $302,718. Her annual expenses when in commission were $100,000. Her pay-roll per month was in the neighborhood of $5000. There had been spent in repairs upon the _Constitution_ from October 1st, 1802, to October 1st, 1811, the sum of $302,582--almost as much as her original cost, it is thus seen; but upon the outbreak of the war only $5658 had to be spent upon her to fit her for sea. The first cost of a small vessel like the _Wasp_, carrying 18 guns, was $60,000; the annual expense in commission, $38,000. Although the _Constitution_ was in such good shape, the _Chesapeake_ and the _Constellation_ were not seaworthy, and required $120,000 apiece to be expended on them before they would be considered ready for service. An American 44-gun frigate carried about 400 men. The pay appears ridiculously small, captains receiving but $100; masters-commandant, $75 a month; lieutenants’ pay was raised from $40 to $60. Midshipmen drew $19, an ordinary seaman $10, and a private of marines but $6 a month.