[M 34] Capt Dale                                    War department, 11^th June 1798 Sir, The intention of requiring you by your instructions of the 22 May Ultimo, with the Ship Ganges under your command, to repair to a station between Cape Henlopen and Cape James by the 12 instant, was, that you might receive additional instructions, in case any law which might be enacted by Congress should make it necessary. Instructions of the 28 May additional to those of the 22 have been forwarded, and received by you — and as no new law, or change of circumstances known to the President, make it necessary to add to these, — you will not, if arrived at the station mentioned, delay there — but proceed (as I confidently flatter myself) under your former instructions, to act successfully and honourably. The last letter I had the pleasure to receive from you was under date of the 2 instant, off Sandy-Hook. It is thought adviseable to send this by a Pilot-boat. It is confidently stated in a letter from the Eastward, that there is a 20 Gun ship of War directly from France on the coast, that she had made some prizes, and that she said there were five others of the same size to follow her, destined for our coast, Captain Truxtun has received his orders, and I flatter myself will soon be on his cruising ground, which is from Cape Henry as far as the Southern limits of our coast. I expect the Secretary of the Navy here to day or tomorrow, and am dear Sir with sincere esteem Your Obed^t Ser^v James McHenry [Cap^t Richard Dale commanding of the Ship Ganges.]