[MS P586] War Office March 14. 1795 Sir, Solicitious to retain in the public service so estimable an Officer as Cap^t. Dale, I wished to place the indulgence he requested on such ground as might save the service from injury and afford a justification to the Executive of the United States in granting him a furlough. Captain Dale will undoubtedly return from China in full time to take command of the frigate to which he has been appointed. The superintending of her while building may be committed to Captain Samuel Barron as soon as he returns from Sea, and in the interim to his Uncle Captain Robert Barron. Both are of Norfolk, experienced Seamen, and recommended by the Agent M^r. Pennock and others. Samuel Barron is a candidate for a first Lieutenancy in the Navy, and will feel a peculiar interest in performing attentively the Office of Superintendent. Captain Dale will compensate them for the services they render in his stead. Captain Barry and Captain Truxton have engaged to afford every advice and assistance that may be required relative to Captain Dale's frigate during his absence. Under these circumstances I have thought it would be expedient, that Captain Dale should be indulged with a furlough during the time necessary for performing his intended voyage to China: otherwise an Officer so universally and highly valued and esteemed will be forever lost to the naval service of the United States. On communicating the matters here stated to General Knox, I have the pleasure to find his opinion entirely concurring with my own. Should the reasons, Sir appear satisfactory to you, I shall beg to be honored with your determination as early as may be convenient. Captain Dale had an expectation of sailing to morrow. I have the honor to be &^c (signed) Timothy Pickering Secretary of War The President of the United States --- Philadelphia War Office March 14. 1795. Sir, The foregoing is a copy of my letter of this date to the President of the United States on the subject of the furlough you requested. I have just received and with great pleasure communicate the President's Answer thro M^r. Dandridge his Secretary — "B^m. Dandridge respectfully informs the Secretary of War, that the President consents that a furlough shall be granted to Captain Dale for the reasons and upon the conditions mentioned in the Secretary's letter to the President of this date." You will observe Sir, that I mentioned your expected return in full time to take command of the frigate destined for you, and this of course you will consider as one of the conditions on which the Presidents consent is founded. I am with great esteem Sir Your most obed^t. Servant Captain Richard Dale Timothy Pickering Sec^y of War