Copy of a letter from Genl James Hamilton to the Secty of the Navy, relative to the purchase of the Steamer Zavala Sir: Previous to my leaving New York, I had the good fortune, from my sincere wish to benefit your Republic to induce my friend James Wolford [?] Esqr of London to advance $70,000, if so much money be necessary for the purchase, alteration, armament and equipment of the Steamer Charleston for your Republic; which boat was at that time in Philadelphia. But before this she must be in New York where she will be completely fitted out to assure the purposes both of a marine frigate, and mail and passage boat and sent out to Texas with all possible dispatch. In consequence of the failure of the company to which she belonged she was bought for about one third of her value say of 30,000 as she is worth as she lies $90,000, and when equipped will be worth in U States currency at Galveston, at least, $150,000 to your Govt. She is one of the most beautiful boats in the U. States; and with the alterations proposed making in her will be one of the strongest fastest and most efficient. She was examined by Brown, the first Ship-Carpenter in New York who pronounced her sound, staunch, and eminently sea-worthy. Indeed she could not well fail to be all this, as her first cost was $117,000, and was built by one of the first naval architects and ship- builders 1 | _2_ (http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/exhibits/navy/jas_hamilton_nov3_1838 _2.html) | _3_ (http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/exhibits/navy/jas_hamilton_nov3_1838_3.html) | _4_ (http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/exhibits/navy/jas_hamilton_nov3_1838_4.html) | Back to _exhibit_ (http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/exhibits/navy/secondnav.html) James Hamilton to the Secretary of the Navy, November 3, 1838. Texas Navy Papers, Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.