[the Sec^y at War] Navy Department Sir 14^th September 1798 Sick sailors have been left at Newport Rhode Island, and at Norfolk — and will ins future, probably be left at New York, Boston & Philadelphia — In the instances which have occured they have been boarded, & Doctors have been em ployed to attend them — This is attended with considerable expense; nor does it seem to promise any certainty, that the man on recovery, will not be lost to the Service — Can you assist me with any arrange ments through the means of your Troops & Surgeon Stationed at any of these places? —