[Tho^s Truxtun Balt^o] Sir, War Department 17^th May 1798 Your letter of the 10^th Ins^t. has been received. I have enclosed you Appointments for the Boatswain, Gunner, Carpenter and Sailmaker. The names of such Persons as you may find suitable to fill the above Stations, you will insert in Them; and transmit me a List of the same with their oaths and Dates of Acceptance, and the Oaths of those Officers who have not already taken them. You will find enclosed a Blank Bond, which it is requisite should be signed by responsible Persons as Sureties for the Advance Pay to the inferior Officers, Seamen &c. that may hereafter enter for the Constellation under your command. I have transmitted a Copy of the above Bond to Lieut.^t Rogers, by this Post.