to Captain Samuel Barron as soon as he returns from Sea, and in the interim to his uncle Cap^t Robert Barron. Both are of Norfolk experienced Seamen & recommended by the Agent M^r Pennock & others. Samuel Barron is a Candidate for a first lieutenancy in the Navy; I will feel a peculiar interest in performing attentively the office of Superintendant. Cap^t Dale will compensate them for the services they render in his stead. Cap^t Barry & Cap^t Truxtun have engaged to afford every advice & assistance that may be required, relative to Cap^t Dale's frigate during his absence. Under these circumstances I have thought it would be expedient that Cap^t Dale should be indulged with a furlough during the time necessary for performing his intended voyage to China: otherwise an officer so universally & highly valued & esteemed will be forever lost to the Naval Service of the United States —. In communicating the matters here stated to Gen^l Knox I have the pleasure to find his opinion entirely concurring with my own —. Should the reasons here 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 Tomorrow —. [Cap^t Dale —] Sir Philadelphia to be March 14 1795. 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 & with great pleasure communicate the President's answer thro' M^r Dandridge, his Secretary. — M^r Dandridge respectfully informs, the Secretary of War, that the President consents, that a furlough shall be granted to Cap^t Dale for