[Copy] Dear Sir Navy Department 11 June 1799 [Truxtun cuts?] Talbot was Sent to the Constitution because you were not here, Nor expected to be here, when the Arrangement was made — and delay was to be avoided. I gave him my opinion fully and freely, that his Commission could only bear date from his last Appointment, that you were his Senior Officer, but promised him, and that So far as the good of the Service would Justify, You Should be kept in Separate Stations — He agreed on these terms — reserving however the Chance of the President, determining hereafter the priority for him — this I Considered as a Thing not relied on by himself. Now then it Stands — Yours Commission bears date in 1799 — his — 1798 — if you Meet [strikethrough: the] the date of Commission Settles the Command — I believe him (tho' not an experienced) a valuable man for he has Firmness and good Sense & Pride Such men we want, and Such men if possible we must keep — In a little him Have no doubt, he will feel it [undecipherable] at Your commanding him — and I think it due to his feelings, to keep you Seperate, as long as it can be done without injury — My Register Stands Barry — Truxtun — Talbot &c — Nicholson is well Content to remain on Shore Where I think he will certainly remain, as long as I remain in office. Have the honor to with Great esteem &^c y^r most Ob^t Serv^t (Signed) Ben^j: Stoddert [Cap^t. Truxtun — Norfolk]