[Capt. J Decatur] Sir War Department 15 June 1[7—] The Ship Delaware, heretofore called the Hamburgh Packet now in the Port of Philadelphia, being purchased, on account of the United States, and intended to be equipped and employed as a Vessel of War — I am directed by the President to order you, as a Captain in the Navy of the United States, to repair forthwith on board and take the Command of said Ship. — You will use your Exertions to get the Ship as soon as possible, ready for Sea, and direct only such Improvements and Alterations to be made in her, as will not incur great Expence, or occasion a long detention. She is to be completely equipped for a Cruise of Three Months. — You will furnish the Names of such Persons, as you may think qualified for the following Appointments respectively. — 1 Lieutenant 1 Surgeon 1 Purser 1 Sailing Master 2 Midshipmen 1 Boatswain 1 Gunner 1 Carpenter 1 Sailmaker The Lieutenant when appointed will act as Lieutenant of Marines, and will immediately proceed to enlist Eleven Privates, one Sergeant, one Corporal, and Two Musicians, to serve as Marines in the Navy of the United States, for the term of Twelve Months, unless sooner discharged. You will transmit to him the annexed Regulations for The Government of his Proceedings. — You will cause such of your Officers, as may appear best calculated for the Business, to open Houses of Rendezvous in proper Places, and exert Themselves to engage Seventy able Seamen and Thirty five ordinary Seamen for the aforesaid term of Service. — The Pay of the able Seamen to be Seventeen Dollars, and that of ordinary Seamen, Ten Dollars per Month. — It is directed that none other than healthy, robust and well organized Men, be enlisted or entered. To this End, you will cause the Surgeon to attend at the Places of Rendezvous, to examine each Seaman and Marine, and certify to the recruiting Officers that they are well organised, healthy and free from Scorbutic or consumptive Affections, before he engages them. If Wages are paid to any without such Certificate, it will at the Risk of the Officer paying it. The Officer at each Rendezvous will make a Return of the Number of Seamen and Marines recruited or engaged each Day, stating therein the Number delivered over to the Ship, and transmit the same to the Captain, and a Duplicate to the Secretary of War. — The Officer of each Rendezvous, on the Desertion of a Seaman or Marine, besides the usual Exertions and Means to be employed on such Occasion, to recover and apprehend Them, will transmit, as soon as possible, a description of Them to the Secretary of War. — The Purser, until further orders, will act as Paymaster to the Officers and Crew and will receive from Time to Time Money to make Payments. — Marines are to be advanced Two Dollars each, out of their first Month's Pay. As soon as you [undecipherable]