“‘Then you must make some,’ said the captain, and handing him a letter, added, ‘you will start this evening so as to reach Washington early to-morrow. When you get there, let it be your first business to call upon the Secretary of the Navy and give him this letter, telling him at the same time, that you will call in three hours for a reply. At the expiration of the three hours, be sure to take your departure, and I expect you to breakfast with me the morning after.’
“The officer strictly obeyed his instructions. When the Secretary had read the captain’s letter, he remarked ‘I am very much occupied at present, sir, but if you will call in two or three days, I will have an answer ready for you.’
“‘Sir,’ replied the officer, ‘I am allowed but three hours in Washington to see my colonel, and at two o’clock I am to start on my return.’
“‘Very well, sir,’ was the reply; and he took his leave.
“At two punctually, he called again, and the Secretary, somewhat fretted, said, ‘Really, sir, I have not had time to attend to Captain Hull’s letter, can you not wait until to-morrow?’
“‘Under my present orders, sir, it is impossible.’
“‘Very well, say to Captain Hull that I will write to him by mail.’
“‘Excuse me, sir,’ said the officer, ‘when I assure you that the captain will be bitterly disappointed if I do not bring something from you.’
“With a gesture of impatience the Secretary drew a sheet of paper toward him, and writing a few hurried lines, handed the note to the officer, who took his departure. It contained these remarkable words:
“‘Sir,—You will proceed with the Constitution to New York, and should you meet any vessels of the enemy, you will note it.’