Hon. B. BASSETT.
WASHINGTON, _Nov. 23, 1812_.
SIR: In compliance with your request, I have the honor to state
to you that my opinion, as to the value of the Guerriere, at
the time the action between her and the Constitution commenced,
is, that, exclusively of her stores and prize goods, she was
probably worth two hundred thousand dollars; and my impression
is, that her stores and prize goods must have been worth one
hundred thousand dollars.
I am informed that, independently of their stores, the frigate
President cost two hundred and twenty thousand dollars; that
the Chesapeake cost two hundred and twenty thousand dollars;
and that the Congress cost one hundred and ninety-seven
thousand dollars. These vessels were certainly built on good
terms; and it is from their cost that I form my idea as to the
probable value of the Guerriere; and my impression as to the
value of her stores and prize goods is derived from personal
observation and information obtained on the occasion from
different persons.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, sir, your obedient
servant,