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 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 Tomorrow.— [Cap^t Dale —] Sir Philadelphia ½ 6. o 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 Presidents 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 the reasons & upon the conditions mentioned in the Secretary's letter to the President of this date."— March 14^th 1795. 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 President's consent is founded.— [Christopher, Richmond[?]] [++ Steel, [undecipherable] and [undecipherable], Rigging [undecipherable], [undecipherable] 1794. [undecipherable]] Sir, War Department, March 16. 1795. I have been favored with your letter of which the last date noted is the 8^th instant, accompanied with a sett (two volumes) of the Elements and practice of Rigging, Seamanship, & Naval Tactics. The Work has arrived opportunely, as any improvements it suggests in masting & rigging may be applied to our Frigates. Tho' uninformed myself, I can place it in hands capable of using it to advantage. It shall be first presented to the view of the President. I have no doubt that this work is a valuable acquisition, and as the Marine of the United States, is under the direction of the Department of War, I am solicitous to have it deposited in the Office. This will not prevent the communication of it, to any person desirous of improving our Navigation, & who will take pains to examine the Work. Extending the knowledge of it will give me pleasure, thus gratifying your wishes and promoting the views of the author.— P.S. M^r Crouch, was kind as to call himself at my house to present the Books. I was not at home to offer him my acknowledgments.—