...The Commander of the Constitution directs that agreeable to Law, each Lieut. Master and Midshipman Keeps an exact Journal of the Ships way, and report the same dayly to the Captain; And he recommends it to them that Each one keeps his reconing according to his own Judgment without Communicating the result to any one except as above directed. Lieut Hull will see that this order is made known to all concerned to regard it—

15th December 1800—

Silas Talbot

Copy—

Gentilmen the above is a copy of Capt Talbots orders by which you will se I am directed to make them known to you

Your obd. Sert.

Isaac Hull

To the Gentlemen Midshipmen onboard the U.S.S. Constitution—