[to Col Hamhammck April 29. 1799] [N° 218.] [14] New York April 29. 17[99] Sir The Secretary of War has [strikethrough: informed] [undecipherable: interlined correction] that a [underline: Galley] lately built at Pittsburgh has been [strikethrough: him] ordered to Massac there to receive further orders [from?] The Commander of the, [interlined: Western:] [strikethrough: Detroit Situation] army being most competent to judge of what will be the most useful employment of this Galley, I leave it with you to dispose of her as you shall think best; observing only that the lower posts on the Mifsippi would seem to me the most fit destination. [strikethrough: when] [strikethrough: to obviate any scruples] The Secretary [of war having instructed] the Commandant of Massac to [pursue] [the orders] I should give, I find you a letter to him directing him to obey your commands. I think it most expedient for the present that the Galley [should] be officered and manned by officers and men to be detached from the line. As I presume it will not, be difficult to find those who are sufficiently marine knowledge to answer the purpose. With great consideration I am— Y[our ob'd Serv't]— [signature] [Col Hamback]