Letter from the War Office ordering express rider Samuel Fisher to find Garrett Holsteincamp commander of pilot boat Flying Fish

100%

Archival document image, page 1. See transcription below.

No human transcription currently available for this document.

This transcription was generated by machine using Anthropic's Claude Code (a mix of sonnet and opus models). It may contain errors or inaccuracies. Please verify against the document image. Learn more about our generative AI methodology.

[Mr. James Phillips Express Rider] War Department 28^th May 1798 You will proceed with all expedition to Newcastle upon Delaware. When you will enquire for Garrett Holstincamp, a Pilot, who commands a Boat called the flying Fish of Philadelphia. Should Mr. Holstincamp not be in Newcastle, he will be found on board his Boat at the Diamond Pier. She will be known by the Danish Flag at Mast head, red with a white cross — When you have found him you will deliver to him the dispatch you are charged with directed in his Name — You will then without loss of time proceed to with expedition to Lewis Town with, and there deliver as directed the other despatch you are charged with — you will receive Instructions for Mr. Hodgden Agent for the Quarter Master General respecting relief of Horses — P.S. If Capt. Dale is at New Castle or nearest so that the dispatches can be delivered to him, you will proceed to Lewis Town — you will also lose no time, in returning with [such] as her Commander may charge you with, for the Secretary of War —

Type

Letterbook

Description

The War Office directs a dispatch rider, Samuel Fisher, to proceed to New Castle and find the captain of "the Flying Fish of Philadelphia," Garret Holsteincamp in order to deliver dispatches to Captain Richard Dale of Ganges. If the captain cannot be found at New Castle, he will be found on board his boat at Diamond Pier. Ship will be known by Danish Flag at masthead. Proceed with dispatch. Samuel Hodgdon will provide instructions regarding horses.

Date

05/28/1798

Recipient

Samuel Fisher

Sent from

Philadelphia

Repository

National Archives and Records Administration

Collection

Letters Sent by the Secretary of the Navy to Federal Executive Agents (Letters to President, Secretary of State, Secretary of War, and Letters To

Document number

1798052800755

Page start

308

Note

Fisher an express rider sent to find Garrett Holsteincamp.

Notable persons

Samuel Fisher

James McHenry

Josiah Fox

Richard Dale

Garret Holsteincamp

Samuel Hodgdon

quartemaster general

War Department

War Office

express rider

Notable locations

War Department

Lewistown

New Castle

Diamond Pier

Delaware

Delaware Bay

Notable items

the Flying Fish of Philadelphia

dispatches

Danish Flag

horses