War Department, August 1^st 1798. Sir, I have received your letter of this date, and submitted it to the President of the United States. It is deemed indispensable, that the additional port holes, made to the ships Jane, be effectually closed; that the deposits herself of the four new gun-carriages, which are acknowledged to have been fabricated, and of any guns which the men may have in addition to those she brought in with her, and of stores such as may not have been before mustered. When circumstances of this moment are passed over, in consideration of her having been put into the situation, in which the now is, before a general aide on the subject was made known to the parties. The Collector, Warden, and Surveyor of the Port are charged, on the part of the government, to see that what is required has been complied with; to whom the Captain of the Jane will produce the evidence you mention with regard to his crew. I have the honor to be Sir, with great respect, Your most obedient Servant [signature] [marginalia, left side: Thomas Brandnome, the Baltimore Merchant Captain General &c. &c.]