Collection

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  A Discount on the Enormous Freight Charges

  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.
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  Letter from the Accountant of the War Department

  Simmons directs Desaussure to separate his claims against the War Department from his claims against the Treasury.
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  Letter from the Accountant of the War Department

  Simmons encloses an order drawn from Doctor Joseph Strong payable to Capt. Turner.
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  Letter from the Accountant of the War Department

  Simmons discusses the claims of Robert Rickey and James Mayson with John Hunter.
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  Letter from the Accountant of the War Department

  Simmons informs Chester that Lt. Bissell's receipt was received.
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  Letter from the Accountant of the War Department

  Simmons informs Kilty that Lt. Peter Shoemaker's receipt was received.
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  Green Baize for the Frigate "United States"

  Harris is directed to deliver one piece of either green baize or halfthicks to Mr. James Milne for the use of the frigate "United States."

• Order to Deliver Dispatch to Garrett Holsteincamp, others to Lewis Town

  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.

• Order to Proceed from Lewis Town to Seek Out Capt. Dale on Ship Ganges and Deliver Dispatch

  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.

• Orders from Secretary of War

  Order by Secretary McHenry to proceed from Lewis Town to seek out Captain Dale on ship ganges and to deliver a dispatch.

• Request to Convey Instructions to Capt. Richard Dale

  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.

• Instructions Inclosed, Pilot Boats Dispatched

  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.
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  Letter from the War Office ordering express rider Samuel Fisher to find Garrett Holsteincamp commander of pilot boat Flying Fish

  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.
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  War Office orders for the pilot charged with delivery of dispatches for the Ship of War Ganges

  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.
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  Letter from the War Office to Garrett Holsteincamp to find and deliver dispatches to the ship of war Ganges, commanded by Captain Richard Dale

  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.
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  Letter from the War Office to Daniel Rodney, Henry Neale, and Mr Thompson requesting pilot boat to deliver dispatches to Captain Richard Dale, Commander of Warship Ganges

  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.
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  Instructions to the Commanders of Armed Vessels Given at Philadelphia from President of United States John Adams by Command James McHenry Secretary of War

  Initiation of the undeclared war with France [Quasi War]. Document heading denotes John Adams President of United States, signed by command, James McHenry Secretary of War. McHenry gives instructions to Commanders of armed vessels belonging to the United States given at Philadelphia. By Act of Congress that armed vessels are sailing under authority or pretense of authority of Republic of France, have committed depredations on commerce of United States and captured vessels, property of citizens in violation of law of nations and treaties between United States and France. Therefore, commanders directed to seize, take and bring into any port of United States any vessel sailing under authority of France, which shall be found committed or found hovering on US coast for purpose of committing depredations on vessels of US citizens, and to retake any vessel of United States which may have been captured.
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  Green Baize for the Frigate "United States"

  Harris is asked to deliver to James Milne a piece of green baize or half thick for the Frigate "United States."
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  Request for Issue of Kettles & an Axe

  Directs issue of camp kettles & an axe.
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  Request to Sail to New York

  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.
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  Sentiments of Our People Toward the Directory of France, Etc.

  Washington expresses reluctance to come out of retirement to lead a military force in opposition to France. He is reassured by his communication with sundry people throughout the South that the sentiments of the American people are friendly to their government and not disposed toward the Directory of France.
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  A Change of Air, Etc.

  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.
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  Iron 24-Pounders Shipped to Charleston, Etc.

  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.
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  Rent for the Wharf

  Willett requests Simmons assistance in ensuring that the rent for the use of his wharf is promptly paid by Mr. Francis.
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  Commends General Henry Jackson; Discusses Position of Neutrality

  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.