[To Same] Navy Department 25^th August 1798 Sir It will be right to buy the whole of the 130 or 140 Tons of Hemp on board the Voltaire and all the duck you can get from the owner, on Terms you think reasonable. — Pray do not let M^r Hodgden, in times like the present, Stand upon Trifles & punctilios The Secretary at War has sent several orders for the delivery of all the Muskets wanted for the Navy— a vessel has gone to Norfolk with almost every other Article Wanted, but muskets— We shall be obliged to send another Vessel with 25 Muskets— all this trouble & Expense for What? To shew that men overdo their duty — As for Cap^t Bainbridge I want him well equipped & armed, but not extravagantly— His danger will arrive from boarding— Every thing necessary to prevent that, Should be furnished. —