The Response

May 18, 1801

To: Isaac Hull, Commodore of the Lesser Antilles Squadron, United States Navy

From: Samuel Nicholson, Assistant Secretary of the Navy of the United States of America

Sir:

The State Department has no record of a William Hampton nor have they sent anyone to Barbados or to Havana Cuba in the past two years.

There are no ships available for your squadron at this time. You are authorized to bring into the service any captured enemy man of war and may convert any enemy merchant ship to strengthen your squadron.

You are further authorized to elevate Ezekiel Fulbryte to acting captain with full pay and privileges effective January 1, 1801.

Your esteemed servant,

Samuel Nicholson

Assistant Secretary of the Navy

United States of America