To James Madison from William Davy, 27 February 1808

Sir!	Philadelphia Feby. 27. 1808

Presuming that the Government, may soon have Occasion to ingage another Merchant Ship, to take Despatches to Europe, I am induced to take the Liberty of offering One for that purpose, of a very superior Quality: The Ship Coromandel of about 340 Tons burden, built in this Port, of the very best Materials, is Compleatly Copper’d & copper bolted, has made one Voyage only to India; she has every thing ready to sail at a short Notice. If required she can carry Eighteen Guns, being expressly constructed for that purpose, & for very fast sailing, in which few Ships can equal her. The Gentlemen of the Navy of the U:S: stationed in this place, will if applied to give satisfactory Information of this Ship, Curiosity having led them to examine her Model, & general Construction with minute Attention.

Not knowing on what Plan the Government employs these Vessels, I can only say, that I shall be satisfied with what may be reasonable for such a Ship as I have the honour to offer, & that she shall be most respectably commanded. I have the honour to be with great Respect Sir! your Obt. Hble Servt.

William Davy

DNA: RG 59—ML—Miscellaneous Letters.

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