[Docket, upper right:] [undecipherable] / 10 April / 1800 / ACM – [Stamp] [Augs. S] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] Cap[?]. Philadelphia. NewYork, April 16^th 1800. I must apologize to you My Dear Colonel, for not answering, long ere this, your much esteem'd favor of 25^th Feby. — but an unwillingness to abuse your time and condescention must plead my excuse. — This Morning the United States Frigate [underline: President] was launched into the Element, upon which She is destined to protect, & avenge, our menanced and insulted Country — Her Model is the same as the [underline: United States], & in points of workmanship, she is allowed by Judges to be inferior to none. I shall take the liberty to forward to you, & beg you will have the goodness to lay before the Secretary of the Navy, a Tourniquet, adapted to the Army or Navy — it is simple in its construction & application, very economical & has the flow of blood as much under command as the Common forceps or Petit's Tourniquet. I shall also mention a method used in the British Navy for securing the Masts — when the rigging becomes Slack (or unable to support them) from dampness or over stretching & which (I judge from the misfortune of the Congress) may not be generally known to the Commanders of our Vessels of War. I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your Most Ob^t. Humble Serv^t. [signature] Walter W. B. — Col: [undecipherable: probable reading Hodgdon].