Orders for Captain Thomas Truxtun: Page #1

Transcription

Capt. Truxtun [undecipherable] /Confidential / War Department 26 ^th May 1798 Sir, The depredations committed upon the Southern Coast, within our jurisdictional Limits, by armed Vessels, and the exposed and almost defenceless situation of that part of the Union render it extremely necesssary that it should be succoured, with such naval Force as we have in our Power, and that this should be applied with as little delay as possible. -

The President has obseerved with Pleasure, the Ecertions, which you have made, and are making to prepare your Ship for Sea.

Thinking it likely that you will be disposed to venture out with the men, you have engaged, and can pick up, before reaching the Capes; you will put every Thing, in as good order as Circumstances will admit of for Tacking immediately after receiving your orders, which it is possible may be sent you, in a few days. I send you inclosed an Appointm^t for a Sail.g Master, of the Constellation You will select a proper and qualified Charter for the Station and direct the appointment in his Name. Send [undecipherable] a few Copies of your printed orders. --