In addition to discussing the shipment of sundry cannon, Hodgdon asks Smith to inquire about a possible reduction of the freight charges for the heavy 24 pounders and carriages.
Fisher, an express rider, is to go to New Castle upon Delaware to find Garrett Holsteincamp, pilot of the boat Flying Fish. If the pilot is not in New Castle he should be at the pier with his boat, which sports a Danish flag. Fisher is to deliver a dispatch to Holsteincamp. After that is done, he is to go to Lewis Town and deliver the other dispatches, unless Captain Dale is also at New Castle. Samuel Hodgdon will give him instructions regarding horses.
Holsteincamp is to take his pilot boat and seek out the ship of war Ganges. He should start in the Delaware River, to the Bay, and if he does not find the ship there, head out to sea towards Long Island. When he finds the ship he must deliver the instructions to Captain Dale or the commanding officer, and receive dispatches from them to bring back to the Secretary of War.
The receipients are asked to engage a fast sailing pilot boat to convey instructions to Captain Richard Dale of the ship of war Ganges. If the Ganges has not passed Lewis Town, the pilot boat should wait there to deliver the instructions when the ship passes. The boat and its pilot will be liberally compensated for the work.
McHenry has sent two pilot boats, one south and one east, carrying instructions for Dale in case he has left the Bay. McHenry is relying on Dale's zeal and courage to ensure execution of the instruction, and he sends Dale and his crew his best wishes.
The War Office directs a dispatch rider, Samuel Fisher, to proceed to New Castle and find the captain of "the Flying Fish of Philadelphia," Garret Holsteincamp in order to deliver dispatches to Captain Richard Dale of Ganges. If the captain cannot be found at New Castle, he will be found on board his boat at Diamond Pier. Ship will be known by Danish Flag at masthead. Proceed with dispatch. Samuel Hodgdon will provide instructions regarding horses.
Beginning of Quasi War with France. Orders for pilot boat [presumably Garrett Holsteincamp] to seek Warship Ganges commanded by Captain Richard Dale in order to deliver dispatches. If Ganges cannot be found at Delaware Bay, go to sea and seek her out. Ganges should be found within a few leagues of shore, between Delaware Bay and Cape of Virginia. Utmost diligence required to find Ganges.
Holsteincamp to commandeer pilot boat and deliver dispatches for Captain Richard Dale aboard the "Ganges." Ganges to be found between Delaware Bay and Long Island.
On the date of the initiation of the Quasi War with France, the War Office requisitions a fast sailing pilot boat for relaying naval dispatches to Captain Richard Dale aboard the Ganges. If the Ganges has passed Lewis Town, Delaware, pilot boat is to remain in readiness to convey dispatches. Assure pilot liberal compensation for service. Should something happen to Captain Dale, deliver dispatches to next senior officer.
Inquiry on Barry's ability to mount sufficient guns to sail safely to New York and return to Delaware in two days time. Request for list of required articles.
Much of the letter is illegible but Sargent advises that his heatlh is only tolerable and that his physician and friends have recommended a change of air. He asks Hodgdon to conceal his indisposition from his sister.
The iron 24-pounders have been shipped to Charleston since there are no vessels bound for Savannah or Georgetown at this time of the year. The four for Savannah and the four for Georgetown have been sent to James Simmons who will see that they are sent to their destinations since vessels leave almost daily from Charleston to Savannah and Georgetown.
Knox commends General Jackson as the appropriate agent for building the frigate "Constitution". He is a capable man, knowledgeable of men and things, and of perfect integrity. His services to the United States and his attachment to the government entitle him to expect a continuance of his naval appointment. Devotion to the independence of the nation requires action against French influence and a dedication to neutrality at the appropriate time.
