The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-06-11
A, P. UPSHUR.
(Copy.)
Navy CoMMIssIoNERs' OFFICE,

3u Marcn, lo4S.
SIR BY the Resolution of Congress of the 18th
September lS4l, the Secretary of the Navy is d-
reced to purchase domestic water-rotted hemp, for
the ofthe Navy, far the same shall be found
of suitable quality, and be used benefcially for
the service, having regard the cost strength, and
durability of the article " and Z" to purchases
of such hemp to be made in the different hemp-grow
ing regions of the Unon.n
The States of Virginia, North Carolina, Tennes-
see Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and Missouri, produce
more hemp, it is believed, than any of the other
States. Among these, Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio,
and Missouri produce the greatest quantity.
As agent, you will proceed hence through West
ern Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, and Mis-
souri,, making vigilant inquiries to the quantities
OF hemp OF good quality, growing in those and neigh
boring States, and the prices at which, hemp, pro-
pers water-rotted and prepared for market, can be
obtained, deliverable at points convenient for trans
portaton by water.
With the view to encourage the preparation of
hemp, by water-rotting, you are authorized to give
sarances TO the growers, that the Cove rnment is
opposed, early may be practicable, to adopt the
use Of hemp Of the growth of our country exclusive
Of all imported hemp, far as may be required for
the Navy. We use, at this time about 700 tons Of
clean hemp, and the probability is, that this consump
ton will rather be increased than diminished You
will ascertain and report the terms upon which
water-roted hemp can be obtained, and the quanti-
ties subject to the inspection of the yard at Boston,
where the hemp is to be delivered, and should it pass
inspection, will be made into cordage
You will make engagements, as occasion and OPP
portunes may arise, with The growers of hemp, that
their hemp, passing the final inspection at Boston,
will be received and paid for, at not exceeding $3.50
per ton of 2240 pounds This is $40 per ton
more than we give for the best Riga Rein hemp,
and is presumed to be sufficient bounty, to
encourage the growth and preparation of Anne
rican. Your own inspection OF the hemp will
give assurance Of the great probability of its passing
inspection at Boston, and place the growers upon a
footing as TO its reception than they otherwise
would be, 1t is thought that the Government in in
curing the expense of special agent, and giving
this bounty, will operate SO as to secure, ultimately
an ample supply of American hemp. You will of
course not encourage the sending of any hemp to
Boston, on account of the Navy, unless you should
be entirely satisfied of quality and mode Of prepa-
| ration
Whenever you find parcel of hemp that you APP
prove and engage, you will report to the Board all the
particulars with the place where the hemp is, and the
name ofthe person with whom you make the engage
ment
The sample of Riga Rein hemp, which you will
have, will enable you to give to the growers of hemp
correct information to the quality of that article fol
Navy use. You will give to them every information
in your power upon the subject OF growing and pro-
perly preparing hemp FOR the Navy.
Further instructions will hereafter be given to you
as occasions may arise. Let your reports be frequent
and minute.
Respectfully, your obeden, servant,
| (Signed) D. WARRINGTON,
For the Board of Navy Comms sioners.
| ALBERT c. BRowNE, Esq,
Agent for procuring American Hemp,
Washington.