McHenry gives Dale instructions relating prevention of violations of jurisdictional rights, and self defense, in light of the fact that Congress has not yet declared war, given letters of marque, or made rules concerning capture on land or water. The jurisdiction of the US is one marine league from shore; within that range Dale can attack and take any vessel which is committing depredation on the coast or attacking another vessel. Dale can defend himself if attacked on the high seas, and if the attacker is commissioned they are to be tried as a pirate. Dale's cruising ground is between Virginia and Long Island. He is to be at the capes of Delaware on June 12. He can, if he sees fit, hire a pilot to sail with them until June 12. Finally, he should transmit a journal of proceedings and events as often as he can.
The unknown author requests a warrant for one thousand dollars that will enable him to discharge sundry bills drawn on him by Capt. Beatty, Paymaster of the United States.
George Way has learned from the newspapers that the President has been empowered by Congress to raise more troops who will obviously need equipment. He therefore touts his capacity for constructing and supplying, on the most economical terms, the following: carriages, wagons, gun carriages, wheels, and harnesses. He is anxious to serve his country in this manner so enlists Hodgdon's aid in convincing the Secretary of War that he is the equal of any mechanic on the continent.
Ignoring, as usual, the principle that the purpose of handwriting is to communicate, Sargent mentions accepting an appointment, and that he has indeed been sufffering. He refers to the Secretary's office and offers his respects to Mrs. Hodgdon.
Pay, forage, and subsistance withheld. Requests assistance compiling appropriate documents to submit that will release above mentioned items. Lists various expenses owed Rochefontaine.
Capt. Frye is asked to assist Melancton Smith in detaching the wheels and limbers from their carriages before they are transported so that they can easily be reassembled at their destination.
Major Fleming is asked to send the twelve pounders fitted with their carriages with all convenient speed to Major Houdin. Hodgdon does not know which of the howitzers at Albany is intended for Houdin.
Harris is directed to deliver, via Mr. Humphreys' office at Southwark, to Captain Decatur for proving the nine pounders for the warship "Delaware": a barrel of powder, wads, sticks of portfire, rammer, sponge, ladle and worm, shot, searcher with its ring, and a priming wire.
Harris is directed to deliver the following articles to Lieutenant Carmic for the Marines on board the ship of war "Ganges": sergeant's, private's and music coats, sergeant's, private's and music waist coats, sergeant's, private's and music pantaloons, shirts, shoes, a musket, a bayonet, a fife and case, and musket cartridges.
For the ship's use: reams of musket cartridge paper, and cannon paper.
Harris is asked to deliver the listed nine articles to Lieutenant Carmick for the Marines on board the war ship "Ganges" and for the ship's use, reams of musket cartridge paper and cannon cartridge paper.
