James McKnight is appointed Lieutenant of Marines on board the ship of war Delaware. He is to recruit a sergeant, corporal, drum, fife and twenty one privates. He is to pay particular attention to rules and regulations.
Lieutenant James Triplett calls for money to discharge demands incurred at Alexandria Virginia for enlisting seamen and marines for the frigate Constellation.
Provides instructions for operations. Is not to delay at station, but is to proceed under former instructions. Mentions a twenty gun ship of war directly from France on the coast.
Discusses contract prices for crew rations. Pursers will act as paymasters. Military and other stores will be placed in keeping of certain officers. Officer of Marines will be in charge of accoutrements and clothing. The Captain will designate officer cabins. Stationary will be furnished by purser.
Secretary of War has written to Governor of Massachusetts to obtain on loans as many 12 or 18 pound cannon with suitable quantity of balls from Castle Island, for the upper battery.
Dyson to furnish Marines if called upon by Captain Truxtun for the frigate Constellation. Men are to be volunteers to enter into service on the extended cruise. Make it known that when done, they return to the infantry. While on ship, entitled to pay of Marines.
Barge Adriana remains in New York. President Adams directs Dale to repair with ship of War Ganges to Sandy Hook. Barge Adriana will have a pilot boat stationed.
Two pilot boats dispatched with instructions. One to southward of Capes of Delaware; other to the eastward. Adds that Dale's zeal, courage, and prudence is relied upon for execution of instructions.
Dale to be governed by certain instructions which relate to the prevention of violations of jurisdictional rights and to self defense. Describes the range of jurisdiction of United States coast; what action to take if attacked on the high seas; cruising ground; circumstances for receiving additional orders; engaging of a pilot and requirement to maintain a journal of proceedings.
Refers to the depredations committed upon the Southern Coast and gives directions to Truxtun to prepare the Constellation for sea with as little delay as possible.
Asks that someone be appointed to make out and sign inventory and receipts for guns, stores and articles of equipment related to purchase of ships Ganges and Hamburgh by Secretary of Treasury.
