Order to Arm and Stock Ship for Defense of Cape Henry

The Secretary of War wants to have as much naval force at sea as soon as possible due to the number of French privateers on the US coast. He hopes that Truxtun is ready to sail, but any articles wanting should be purchased at his present location or at Norfolk. Enclosed are letters to Lt.s Triplett and Dyson with orders. McHenry also encloses instructions for Truxtun from Congress. His cruising ground is to be from Cape Henry to the Southern Limits of the US, particularly South Carolina and Georgia's main harbors. He should send journals and reports back to McHenry as often as possible. Most of the stores Truxtun ordered have been sent, except for those in an enclosed; anything which does not make it on to the ship soon will be forwarded to Charleston to be picked up there.